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JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 
HER LIFE AND WORK 





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JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

HER LIFE AND WORK 
BY HERSELF 



1922 
MRS. A. J. DAVIDSON 

PRESTONSBURG, KY. 



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Copyright, 1923, by 
MRS. A. J. DAVIDSON 



NOV -3 mi 



Printed and Bound in the 
United States of America 



©C1A690284 



IN LOVING REMEMBRANCE 

I DEDICATE THIS AUTOBIOGRAPHY 

TO MY NIECE 

MRS. O. P. POWERS 

OF ASHLAND, KENTUCKY 
1932 



PREFACE 

This Autobiography aims to combine the real fea- 
tures of a history of my home life, my domestic life, 
and my travels, with the interest of the changes 
through it all. All these incidents are drawn from 
my own life. The history is founded strictly upon 
facts. This narrative, simple as it is, I hope will 
serve to give to my friends and relatives, who may 
read this, a true sketch of my every-day life. I have 
chronicled these events of my life's history with the 
intention of having the Autobiography printed and 
published. 



CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

I I 

n 7 

in 19 

iv . 30 

V 37 

VI 49 

VII . 57 

VIII 64 

IX 75 

X 82 

XI 87 

xii .95 

XIII 102 

XIV 106 

XV 114 

XVI 120 

XVII . 128 

XVIII 133 

XIX 139 

ix 



x CONTENTS 

CHAPTER PAGE 

XX . 145 

XXI 149 

XXII 158 

XXIII 163 

XXIV 170 

XXV 177 

XXVI 184 

XXVII 189 

XXVIII 193 

XXIX 197 

XXX 201 

XXXI 211 

XXXII .222 

XXXIII . . 228 

XXXIV 233 

XXXV 241 

XXXVI 249 

XXXVII 256 



ILLUSTRATIONS 

Josie M. Davidson Frontispiece 

PAGE 

Mrs. Davidson's Home in Prestonsburg ... 50 

P. D. Harmison 80 

A. J. Davidson 86 

Mrs. J. C. Hopkins 106 

Andrew 116 

Mrs. W. S. Harkins 128 



JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

HER LIFE AND WORK 

CHAPTER I. 

For some time I have had uppermost in my mind, 
thoughts that I would, at some future time, write and 
have published, a history of my life just as I have 
lived, without exaggeration or without a bit of fiction 
mingled in it, from my earliest recollection to the 
present time. 

Near Jonesville, in Lee County, Virginia, I am told 
I first beheld the light of day May the 7th, 1857, my 
father, Park Martin, being one of a family of nine 
boys and only one sister. My mother's name, before 
her marriage to my father, was Sally Graybeal. Any- 
thing else in regard to my mother I know but very little. 
She had one sister who outlived her and I think per- 
haps she had two brothers who died early in life. My 
great uncle, whose name, if I mistake not, was Boyd 
Dickerson, he being the family physician when I was 
born, said my name must be Josephine, after the great 
and noble Empress whose life and history he greatly 
admired. I have always been very fond as well as 
proud of my name; I not only think it very pretty but 



2 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

I admire it too, because I have admired her life and 
noble character. Of the first year of my existence in 
Virginia, I know comparatively nothing. My parents 
being dissatisfied and feeling that they might do better, 
especially from a financial standpoint, they emigrated 
to Kentucky, following an older brother of my father 
(named John Preston Martin), to Floyd County. I 
was at that time one year of age. I was the second 
child of my parents that was living, my sister being 
nearly five years my senior. My father, mother, sis- 
ter and myself then constituted our entire family, lo- 
cating two miles above Prestonsburg, on a farm at the 
mouth of Bull Creek, which empties into the Big Sandy 
River. The farm is situated along the river on one 
side and surrounded by tall mountains and the creek. 
As I recall it nothing very attractive with the excep- 
tion of the picturesque mountains. A small knoll, just 
above the house, with a few graves and a chestnut 
tree standing upon the side of the small knoll, which 
never refused to bear its fruit in its season. Sister 
Lavina and I loved to haunt the woods, and the nooks, 
and crannies in our childhood glee. Now and then to 
the creek we found much amusement playing in the 
sand, where the water tinkled over the tiny pebbles, 
and there in the cool shadows of the trees with the 
water of the stream bubbling underneath our little bare 
feet, and the woodthrush singing over our heads, those 
were happy days for us. 

We were living on this farm when the Civil War 
broke out. Trying times we had then. There were 



HER LIFE AND WORK 3 

periods when food was very scarce and no way of 
procuring any for days. The citizens ofttimes went 
hungry though we never suffered very much; we had 
enough, but a very rough diet sometimes. One bright 
Spring day, I recall to my mind, our mother had gone 
to a nearby neighbor's for some purpose and left sister 
and me alone. A poor soldier came tour home and 
asked us if we could fix him a lunch. We caught a 
young frying size chicken and sister dressed it and 
fried it; we also gathered some vegetables and cooked 
him a very nice meal for two children of our size. 
She was always a fine cook and is at the present day 
although the weight of years is fast creeping up on her. 
He gave us a green back dollar and pulled up his sleeve, 
showing us his name that was tattooed on his arm, and 
said: "Little girls, if you ever see me again you will 
know me by this/' How often I have wished that I 
could remember his name. I really believe if I should 
ever see him, I should know him for his gentlemanly 
face was so impressed upon my childish mind. How- 
ever, we both were very proud of our new dollar, and 
to know we made it ourselves. 

During those dreadful days my father sold some 
cattle, which brought no small sum of money. At that 
time there were no banks or safe places to deposit 
money, consequently it had to be hidden away some 
place about the premises. One night, a short time after 
the cattle sale, a band of guerrillas broke into our home 
and at the point of their guns demanded the money. 
There was, of course, nothing else he could do but 



4 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

render it up or die. They were dressed in Federal 
uniform. Quite a number of other cases similar to 
that of my father's were committeed in the surrounding 
country. 

Though a very small child how well I remember hear- 
ing the firing of guns and the booming of the cannon 
while the battle of Middle Creek was being fought, in 
which General Garfield was in command of the Fed- 
eral Army and General Humphrey, Marshall, Wil- 
liams and Colonel Jack May in command of the Con- 
federate forces. I don't think either side gained much 
of a victory. Of course we all are aware of the fact 
that General Garfield, years • afterwards, became our 
President. He owned a i*,:.ct of land adjoining Pres- 
tonsburg on the North side, on which some of the 
dwellings of our town are now built. This tract of 
land was still in his possession at the time of his death, 
after which my first husband bought an interest in the 
same. 

My father, who it seemed was a sort of "Rolling 
Stone," concluded to make another move, and to 
Johnson County went to try his luck. Johnson joins 
Floyd County. I shall later on have occasion to 
refer to Bull Creek again before this volume is fin- 
ished. We made the move in the Fall of '64, which 
was a bad change for him and also the family, for my 
father at once took typhoid fever, soon after the change 
of home, and in December early, I think it was, he 
passed away into the great unknown leaving my poor 
mother with her three little helpless children on the 



HER LIFE AND WORK 5 

mercy of the world. As my baby brother had been 
added to the family, he being one year of age, and 
about five years younger than myself, my mother 
struggled as best she could through that winter. That 
dreadful war was not quite at an end which made it 
doubly hard for her to pull through. The country at 
that time was in a terrible condition. However, the 
coming Spring, in April, 1865, she gave way under 
the heavy burden, and left the earth for a better, and 
happier home, ' 'where the weary are at rest." Her 
death was quite sudden — heart failure carried her off 
in a few hours. Her life work had been so pure and 
holy that Angels hovered around her and accompanied 
her immortal spirit to the home beyond. Her only 
sister, who was then a widow, came on from Missouri. 
She, however, had been with my mother a month or 
more before she went away and believing she could keep 
the little ones together, made an effort but soon dis- 
covered she was not equal to the great undertaking, and 
gave it up, discovering that the support of a family at 
that critical period required considerably more than the 
meager means at her disposal. 

To return to my father's brother, John P. Martin, 
who lived in Prestonsburg, and died two years prior 
to the death of my father. His widow and her three 
children (all grown), on being notified of my mother's 
death, sent for us. Her daughter, at that time a 
widow and the oldest of her family, Mary Martin 
Trimble, came on to Paintsville, the County Seat of 
Johnson County, to look after our interest. My 



6 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

mother's sister said she could keep house and take 
care of us but I said to her that I was going home 
with my cousin Mary (which I did), and it was only 
a very short time until she made the discovery that 
I was right, leaving sister Lavina and brother Willie 
with her, thus giving her the trial at it. 



CHAPTER II. 

My uncle's widow, Elizabeth Lackey Martin, her 
son, Alex L. Martin, and Mousie L. Martin, her eldest 
daughter, that I have just written about, a widow with 
her two boys, Malcolm and James Trimble, comprised 
her family at that time (I being a later addition). 
My cousin Mary came to Paintsville on horseback, 
which at that time was the best way for traveling over 
the rough roads. We left the town of Paintsville 
quite early in the morning as there was a long, tire- 
some trip on horseback. I being a small child and rid- 
ing behind means something of a fatiguing nature. 
It was in the month of April, when the early wild 
flowers were in bloom; the forest trees putting forth 
their green foliage and all nature being resurrected 
from its long lethargy. The little ripples were tinkling 
with Spring sound, wayside songs of the robins, mea- 
dow larks, and the cheery song of the sparrow; here 
and there a chime of cow bells, all blending into the 
steady rime of the water as it ran down the little 
ravines on the hillsides over the rocks below, altogether 
presenting a very charming scene. I, of course, in my 
childish fashion, saw it and took it in with the interest 
and huge delight so natural to children, and the change 
of scenes with me was of a very exciting nature. 

7 



8 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

Many and amusing were the questions I put to my 
cousin on the journey, but she, good soul, did not 
seem to object to answering them. All my natural 
life, when I do not know, or realize what a thing is 
or what the meaning might be I make an effort to 
learn, even if it is to the amusement of the one ques- 
tioned, or to display my ignorance to a degree, and I 
don't yet think it a very bad idea, for if we do not 
make an effort to be enlightened in things we will never 
know. 

My cousin had an old acquaintance who lived about 
midway between Prestonsburg and Paintsville, who 
was very sick. She stopped to see her for a short 
time and we had a rest. I, of course, in my childish 
way was taking all things in that were being presented 
to my view, so the ride of twelve miles came to an 
end in the afternoon. They all gave me a kind wel- 
come. I will here mention my uncle, John P. Martin 
(who was the father of those cousins) had been 
elected a number of times to Congress, and at one 
time came in a fraction of a vote of being nominated 
for Vice-President of the United States, on the Demo- 
cratic ticket). The reception of welcome that was given 
me at the time of our arrival was much appreciated, 
especially the kind and oft recalled incident by my 
dearest Cousin Mousie, who in after years was more 
than a cousin, — she really made herself a dear and 
affectionate sister to me. It was the first time I had 
ever seen her. She kissed me affectionately and re- 
marked, "This is the first time you ever saw your 



HER LIFE AND WORK 9 

Cousin Mousie." How my little heart swelled with 
real pleasure ! Just to know there was one who loved 
me in that new home. 

The same afternoon a number of little girls came 
in to see me, as little girls usually do when a strange 
child comes into a community. I will here give the 
names of some of them, because they figure to an ex- 
tent in my life's records. Four were nieces of my 
Aunt Elizabeth, Sallie, Alice, Josie, and Anna David- 
son; little chum of theirs, Mollie Friend, and Anna 
Porter, also a number of others, I cannot remember 
their names at the present time to mention. These have 
been my lifelong friends and all are at the present time, 
still living but one, Anna Davidson. (However, she 
lived to be twice married and died rather young.) 
How well I remember that afternoon we all went out 
in the large green grassy lawn to play ! All of a sud- 
den a feeling of loneliness came over me; the sad 
thought of my mother being gone and that I never again 
could see her this side of eternity almost crushed 
my heart. I began to realize that I had lost something 
that I never could regain. I burst into a flood of tears ; 
as soon as that spasm of grief was over, which tears 
only can relieve, I was again playing. My new found 
friends appeared to be very sorry for me and tried to 
comfort me in many little kindnesses which I have never 
forgotten. Naturally I was of a sunny disposition 
and full of pranks and fun; always planning and plot- 
ting something of a mischievous nature. But the sad- 
ness and heartaches that I have come in contact with 



io JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

in my later life has blotted all that out and at times a 
melancholy comes over me that nothing but communing 
with my Lord will take the gloom away. 

The Fall of 1865 I entered my first school. If I 
remember correctly the length of the free schools lasted 
five months; the teacher's name was Mrs. Julia Mor- 
risson, a widow, without children. I was much pleased 
with my beginning school days, all so new to me, and 
soon learned to love my teacher very much. Those 
were happy days. I soon learned to read in my primer 
and to spell nicely. That was much encouragement. 
The end of the school came and with regret, too. The 
teacher, at the closing of the session, made up her mind 
she did not wish to continue that kind of a vocation in 
life, became a little romantic, and got married again 
on a Big Sandy Steamboat, as it was running down 
the river, to Mr. Will Yates of Louisa, Ky. They 
still live there, and I occasionally saw her until last 
winter she, too, passed away, leaving husband and 
their several children. 

Back to my aunt ; she too soon awoke to the fact that 
she must give up her plans as it was too much for her 
to raise two children and my sister soon followed me 
on to Prestonsburg and found a home with me which 
was a delight, to have her with me, but my little 
brother did not come. A gentleman and his wife, living 
in Paintsville, who had no children of their own, in- 
sisted on taking my baby brother and raising him just 
as their own. This was a sad movement or occur- 
rence to me. I did not think it best to separate us; 



HER LIFE AND WORK n 

after much meditation and tears I at last made up my 
mind to be satisfied with the inevitable and it turned out 
all right in after years. They were kind to him, and to 
the very best of their ability raised him to be a man 
and in their old days they had him to lean upon for 
many years and the sacrifice that we had to make in liv- 
ing without him we were fully repaid upon seeing what 
a great source of pleasure and real comfort he was to 
them in their declining years. He grew to manhood 
making a fine lawyer and a splendid Christian gentle- 
man of whom I am proud to-day. When I was eleven 
years of age, my cousin, Mary Trimble, was again 
married to a gentleman from Alabama, a lawyer, who 
had been a Major in the Confederate Army, James 
Armstrong, they going to Missouri to live. For a 
while I was very lonely without my little boy cousins, 
Malcolm and James. When I was twelve years old my 
sister, Lavina, married (a church wedding) Mr. Ed. 
Ford. This almost crushed me as I regretted so 
much to give her up. (Thus the home was thin- 
ning out.) They have always lived in Prestonsburg. 
In my early life I united with the Methodist Church 
South and have, ever since, lived a staunch Methodist 
and have, to the very best of my ability, tried to live 
a consistent Christian life. The shortcomings that 
have befallen me have been more of the "head than 
the heart." Anyway, the weakness of the human 
body is sometimes stronger than the spiritual strength. 
Nevertheless I have lived the very best I could and 
have attempted, in my weak way, to do my duty to 



12 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

my church, my friends and my God. To know and 
feel these truths is a comforting thought to me, al- 
though thoughts sometimes rush to me that I might 
have done more in my Master's cause but all the hu- 
man family no doubt fall short. 

Well, as time wore on, with nothing of much 
interest to think of, I attended the public schools, when 
I could get the time to go. I was kept busy learning 
to sew, cook and all else that must be done in a home. 
My aunt believed in making all around her learn to 
work and that time was not made to waste ; that it was 
too precious. This training has been a great benefit to 
me in all these years. However, I have felt the need 
of a broader and a more practical education. Oppor- 
tunities that the young people of to-day have, I was 
denied. 

In the meantime my Cousin, Alex L. Martin, mar- 
ried Miss Nannie Brown, daughter of Mr. G. N. Brown 
of Catlettsburg, Kentucky, a lawyer of some distinc- 
tion and afterwards Circuit Judge of our District. 
She was fine looking, having a very handsome and at- 
tractive face, a stately figure and gracious manners 
with intellect and accomplishments. He was handsome, 
brilliant, educated; in fact his intelligence and his edu- 
cational advantages were unsurpassed. 

By this time I was beginning to believe I was grow- 
ing to be quite a young lady. In October, 1874, my 
dear Cousin Mousie made up her mind that she would 
marry and had a very pretty home wedding with 
a number of invited guests. The lucky young man was 



HER LIFE AND WORK 13 

Captain J. C. Hopkins of Tazewell, Virginia. He was 
handsome beyond the ordinary. This was a sad oc- 
currence for me for I much regretted to give her up. 
As I grew older a great desire for teaching school 
seized me. I thought I must qualify myself for a voca- 
tion in life; the more I thought on the subject of 
teaching the more anxious I became. I pressed hard 
in my studies, in fact put my time in that I could have 
away from the home work, and did, I thought, my 
best to be able to obtain a good certificate, which in 
that day and time was the important factor in obtaining 
a first class school. At that time the school laws were 
not very stringent ; it did not require any fixed age for 
teaching; just so the teacher was in possession of a 
first class first grade certificate, it made no special 
difference as to age. I was seventeen when I made 
application for examination, was examined and was 
given a first class first grade certificate. I sure was 
puffed up at my success. I really felt that I was 
"monarch of all I surveyed." I fell to thinking and 
planning for my future teaching ; the manner in which 
I should each day open and close the session. These 
and other devised intentions were all concocted for fu- 
ture interest and benefits for my schools. Well, these 
"air castles" fluttered high ! The more I thought, the 
more anxious I became. I believed when I was a 
public school teacher that then I would have reached 
the "height of my glory." Then, too, when the Teach- 
er's Institute was in session how important I should 
feel when the roll of teachers was called to have my 



14 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

name on the list. The more I pondered over the com- 
ing event the more elated I became, or a better suited 
term, the more "puffed up" I was. With my certifi- 
cate now in my possession I was then ready to begin to 
climb my "Ladder of fame." A public school-teacher, 
indeed ! For fear I should forget to mention it I will 
state here that I still have in my scrap book the won- 
derful certificate. I have all through these years kept 
it as a gentle reminder "That chickens should not be 
counted until the eggs are hatched," or in the language 
of Solomon, "Answer a fool according to his folly 
lest he be wise in his own conceit." As a souvenir it 
has been one of much amusement to me. I return to 
my school subject again. At the time all the desirable 
schools that were near home had been taken before I 
obtained my certificate, but there happened to be one 
District in the County that had not yet employed a 
teacher and it was about thirteen miles from home 
and upon Johns Creek, at the mouth of a branch called 
Brushy Creek. One of the trustees, an old gentleman, 
had by some way heard of me and that I held the cer- 
tificate that the law required for a first class school. 
The law at that time, and perhaps yet, requires three 
trustees for each school district. So the old gentle- 
man came down to Prestonsburg and employed me as 
teacher for that school. I was overwhelmed with de- 
light! My ambition had now reached its zenith and 
now I was about to realize its glory — my brain was 
all in a whirl. I could scarcely wait for the time to 
arrive for the old gentleman to bring the promised 



HER LIFE AND WORK 15 

horse for me to ride up to take charge of the school, 
so anxious I was to begin my school duties. On a 
bright Sunday morning he came, bringing with him 
the horse that I was to ride. Oh! what joy. I soon 
packed my clothes that were needful, the books, papers 
and then I was all ready for the long ride. I bade all 
good-by, mounted the horse and, by the side of the old 
gentleman, rode away. The farther up the creek we 
went the higher the mountains loomed up to my view 
and the valley looked very narrow. No outlet ex- 
cept the rough, rocky road that followed the water 
course which winds its way for miles, to find its exit 
into the Big Sandy River. This scene, I will admit, 
was not a very pleasing prospect for a five months' 
sojourn. I, of course, had no other idea than that 
I could stay at the least a month before thinking of 
returning home for a visit. We arrived in the after- 
noon at the home of the old gentleman where I was 
to board, at $1.00 per week. I found them to be nice, 
good and hospitable people. The gentleman was very 
old, but had married a young woman, apparently very 
much younger than himself, perhaps twenty or twenty- 
five years. They had three children, the oldest a 
pretty, bright girl of about thirteen years of age. As 
I remember the other two were boys, and these chil- 
dren were to be my scholars. The cottage, situated 
on the upper side of the road, consisted of four rooms, 
two bedrooms, a dining room and small kitchen, and 
all were spotlessly clean. Supper being announced I 
took the place assigned me. As twilight came on and 



16 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

the coming darkness threw a gloom over me, a loneli- 
ness crept over me. I began then to feel that I had 
been elated too soon ; that it might not be as pleasant to 
teach a country school as I had anticipated. However, 
I said my prayers and retired, hoping by the dawn of 
day that feeling of loneliness might disappear alto- 
gether. The next morning I was up with the family 
and after the breakfast was served we were in a bustle 
getting ready for the two-mile walk to the schoolhouse. 
Our dinner prepared and put in a pail, then we were off, 
the three children, their father and myself, ready for 
the duties of the day. By the time the two-mile walk 
had ended I must confess I was about tired out. The 
log schoolhouse was not a very inviting structure. 
Thoughts something like this came into my mind: 
Can I walk four miles and teach all day as I had 
heretofore planned in my "Castle building" ? I opened 
school by reading the first chapter of Genesis. From 
observation I saw it would not be a bad idea to give 
these scripture readings often as it seemed to be very 
much needed as well as school books. The old gentle- 
man said he was pleased with the way I had commenced. 
I arranged my classes which consumed the most of 
the morning and commenced with twenty-two or three 
pupils. At twelve o'clock all were ready for the noon- 
day lunch but me. I was beginning to feel as though 
I could never eat another bite. A huge lump seemed 
to rise in my throat. A peculiar feeling ran over me 
that I could never describe. I felt as though I was lost 
in a wilderness with no one near me. Homesickness 



HER LIFE AND WORK 17 

had overwhelmed me. I never had such a despondent 
feeling in all my life. They insisted upon me eating, 
but not a mouthful could I eat. There was a man 
who had taught the school for several successive Falls 
and wanted it again. He happened to be there at the 
noon-day hour, I presume to see how the new teacher 
was getting on with the school, or perhaps some other 
motive may have prompted him. I overheard him say, 
"A woman cannot manage these rude boys/' That 
was sufficient to give me an opportunity to give vent 
to my pent up tears. I burst into a flood of weeping 
and told him as far as I was concerned he could have 
the school, with the permission of the trustees, if they 
only would let me off for I did not believe I could 
stand to stay, I was so very homesick. They tried in 
every persuasive manner to have me keep it. They 
were very kind-hearted men and let their sympathy get 
the better of them and through pity let me off. How- 
ever, at one o'clock I again took up books and finished 
the day with a feeling of relief and then, that long, hot 
July day came to an end, and so did my high aspira- 
tions. Alas ! over went my high-blown pride. It had 
at length broken under me. My "Air castles" were 
blown to the breeze and floated from my vision into 
open space. That bright Sunday morning that I left 
home with such bright visions, the tender leaves of 
hope that had put forth, and early Monday morning 
the bloom had opened and at once commenced to fade, 
and at night fell the killing frost. My vain pomp and 
glory had fallen. After the closing of the school, we 



i8 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

returned to the house. I must not forget to give the 
name of these good, kind people, Mr. and Mrs. Fraley. 
She very much regretted to have me give up the school 
and remarked that she did regret that she had not been 
able to make for me some "sweet bread and pies." I 
then felt that I was the loser of those good things to 
eat; the real fact of the matter I did not give the good 
woman time. 



CHAPTER III. 

From the proceedings of the Teachers' Institute as 
printed in the paper that Fall, I clipped the roll of 
teachers' names, mine being in the list. I have care- 
fully kept it in my scrap book all these years to again 
remind me that, "Vain glory blossoms and brings no 
fruit," and that I should beware of egotistical ambi- 
tion not to let it get away with my better judgment. 
Ambition is all right if developed in the right manner 
and that experience sometimes is a good lesson and from 
it I learned that if I had any sense at all and if I had 
known the law those trustees could have held me to the 
job. They were a kind-hearted people and only 
through sympathy they let me off so lightly, and also 
another teacher there just ready to step into my place. 
So that experience might have proved a little detri- 
mental to the position I was in at that time had they 
not been full of pity for my homesick attitude. 

Well, I got off well. When I returned to my home 
I was twitted to the full extent about my childish 
freak and I justly deserved all I got. For quite a while 
I was very humble and silent on the school subject. In 
fact I desired it to be forgotten as a "Dead leaf of a 
forest, of a long forgotten year." As to the thought 
of giving publicity to my "Air Castle Building," it 
would have been foreign to my mind at that time. The 

,19 



20 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

memory of that episode though somewhat ludicrous 
is amusing to me now. In fact the incident although 
somewhat humiliating to me was a source of fun for 
my associates. 

Cousin Mousie, who had married the year prior to 
my episode, had located at Catlettsburg, had gone to 
housekeeping and wrote me to come down and visit her. 
I made ready for the trip and was soon off, the river 
being in fine steamboat tide. That was the first time 
I had ever been in Catlettsburg and I was having a 
most delightful visit when our bachelor Uncle, Morgan 
Lackey, who for years had been a merchant in Pres- 
tonsburg (he was my Aunt Elizabeth's brother and had 
always boarded in her home; he usually went to Cin- 
cinnati two or three times each year to purchase his 
stock of store goods), came down in the Spring as 
usual. He had to stay a day in Catlettsburg waiting 
for the five o'clock packet coming down from Pitts- 
burgh, en route for Cincinnati. He came up to Cousin 
Mousie' s home to spend his leisure hours in waiting. 
An idea occurred to me that I might be able to persuade 
him to take me with him so I gave him a broad hint. I 
had never been in a large city. He pretended to take 
no notice of the hint until just time enough for me, 
in a hurried manner, to get ready, then said to me, "If 
I was going to the city with him it was time I should 
be getting my belongings that were necessary for me 
to have on the trip, together." I certainly did get in 
a hurry sure enough and with the assistance of my Cou- 
sin Mousie, I was soon ready for the journey. I was 



HER LIFE AND WORK 21 

very much elated with the thought and a trip to Cin- 
cinnati at that day and time meant something. By 
the time the steamer Potomac landed at the wharf 
I was there ready to board it. The Potomac was 
the largest steamboat I had ever been on. Those large 
steamers were very attractive and pretty. There were, 
at that time, no railroads near Catlettsburg, conse- 
quently all traveling and traffic had to be done by way 
of steamboats, both on the Ohio and Big Sandy rivers. 
Of course, it was, and is yet, a most delightful mode 
of traveling. In the Springtime when the Ohio 
River is at high tide, it is a very swift and restless tor- 
rent, at that time, but for its innumerable bends. Along 
the whole course hills, steep, picturesque and lofty, rise 
almost from the bed of the river and pour their little 
mountain streams headlong into it when the heavy rain 
falls or the snow melts. For hundreds of miles this 
pretty river winds and coils itself among those ever 
varying, seldom receding hills, skirted by a narrow 
fringe of bottom land. The steamer Potomac floated 
out on the waters of this pretty river like a gem 
of beauty on the fair bosom of the current, while 
the golden sunlight fell upon its waters, making a 
pretty scene, just before its setting, behind the Western 
hills. The Ohio and Kentucky hills, the river flowing 
between, surely present to view to the observer a 
picturesque scene. And to me it was one of great 
beauty and of much interest as it was the first trip 
I had ever been fortunate enough to take on this river. 
Those large steamers are always well equipped for 



22 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

everything that is necessary to make a voyage pleasant. 
Everything that is tempting to eat and the very best 
cooks that can be procured. In fact, at the present 
day when the traveler is not pressed for time it is a 
most pleasant mode of traveling. A fine trip I had. 
We landed at the wharf some time before noon the fol- 
lowing day, took a cab and drove up, stopping at the 
Burnet House, that being the hotel at which my uncle 
always lodged. What a wonderful big hotel, I 
thought ! I had never been in one half so large. Cin- 
cinnati was then lighted by gas. That was all new to 
me too. The bell button was to me quite a curiosity. 
Just how the bell boy could answer so soon after the 
button was pressed. However, I was cautious not to 
make any breaks and make a display of my ignorance 
any more than I could help for my uncle was full of 
fun and always trying to get a joke on some one, and I 
was well aware of the fact if he succeeded I would get 
my share. I would have been twitted to the full extent 
and I had enough in my school freak. I came off aston- 
ishingly well by guarding my every movement and my 
questions closely. We found stopping at the same hotel 
Colonel and Mrs. Northup from Louisa; also Mr. and 
Mrs. Mitchell from Catlettsburg. At the Gibson House 
Mr. and Mrs. Richmond from Prestonsburg. That 
was indeed quite a pleasant surprise to me to find those 
friends from my home town. Each day Mrs. Richmond 
came to the Burnet House to be with us, while Mr. 
Richmond and the other gentlemen were out in the city 
attending to their business affairs, Mr. Richmond 



HER LIFE AND WORK 23 

and Uncle Morgan buying their spring stock of store 
goods. We ladies were practically together most of 
the time and out sight-seeing as far as we could risk 
ourselves alone in a large city. Of course, they being 
in the city at the same time surely made it very nice 
for me. Alone in the hotel would have been quite 
monotonous for me and I should not have cared to 
spend the days at the wholesale houses. This being 
the first time I had ever had the pleasure of knowing 
Mrs. Col. Northup I at once formed a great admira- 
tion for her and the friendship sprung up, and ap- 
parently it was mutual, for as long as she lived we 
were the best of friends. It was somewhat strange 
to me that a lady like her and one of her age should 
have formed such a warm attachment and close friend- 
ship for a poor young girl like myself. I appreciated 
that true friendship more than I could ever express; 
she ever after that was so sweet and nice to me when- 
ever an opportunity afforded. (A few years after I 
was visiting Cousin Mary Brown at Louisa, then 
Mary Lackey.) This dear friend prepared a lovely 
meal for me. She passed away some years since. "An 
angel came, with shining wings and white robes, from 
above, calling her by name, and as a lamb, they bore 
her o'er death's foam up to the 'better land, to friends 
and home/ ' I now think of her in loving remem- 
brance. The Colonel is still living ; I saw him the past 
Summer at the depot in Louisa while waiting the 
coming of the train. We had a lengthy conversation 
in regard to her, also bringing in that time while in 



24 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

Cincinnati that we all had such a nice time together. 
Although he is advanced in years, he having been a 
Colonel in the Federal Army during the Civil War, 
still his mind is clear as a boy. He never married 
again. 

Back to the city; my uncle finished his business af- 
fairs, taking a day off to give us all an opportunity to 
visit all the different places of amusement and interest. 
Places such as the Zoo, Parks, Art Museum. Around 
the city the hills are lower, the valleys broader, the 
river wider, all so different to the scenes I had been 
accustomed to seeing. Then I fell to musing; this 
is surely a big world, a wonderful world and how I was 
inspired with an ambition to see more of it. The Cin- 
cinnati of that day and at the present time, so great 
is the contrast, it is as "moonlight is to sunlight." 
The streets were lighted with gas jets and brick 
paved as well as the sidewalks. The street cars were 
run by horsepower. At the time that was a wonder 
to me. That trip was somewhat an educational, as 
well as pleasure trip. I have always held it in such 
appreciation that it would have been an utter impossi- 
bility for me to have ever expressed my real heartfelt 
thanks to my uncle for giving me that pleasant trip 
and for him to have known the eagerness it aroused 
in my mind to give to other young girls the same real 
pleasure that he had given to me. I have carried out 
that intention, or wish, full many a time. It gave to 
me a very great desire to be instrumental in encourag- 
ing others to see what is in this big world of ours. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 25 

Thus, our stay in the city came to an end. We boarded 
the steamer Hudson for Catlettsburg, I with a feeling, 
I imagine, somewhat like the Queen of Sheba when 
she visited King Solomon of old, that the "Half had 
never been told me." 

I had not yet finished my visit in Catlettsburg. I 
remained quite a while longer before returning to my 
Prestonsburg home. A few years went by with noth- 
ing of any interest that I can recall, I spending either 
the Winter or Spring with my Cousin, Mrs. Hopkins. 
If I remember correctly it was in March of 1878 I was 
invited to attend the wedding of Cousin Mary Lackey, 
who lived in Louisa, a daughter of Uncle Green Lackey, 
a brother of my Aunt Elizabeth. She was to be mar- 
ried to Mr. Thomas R. Brown, son of Judge G. N. 
Brown, a prominent young lawyer of Catlettsburg; 
a most excellent and intelligent young man. I was 
again visiting in Catlettsburg at that time. Quite a 
number of friends were invited; among the invited 
guests were the sisters of the bridegroom, Miss Lida 
Brown and Mrs. McClintock, also the cousins, Mrs. 
Hopkins and others. All the wedding guests that were 
the fortunate ones to be invited boarded the steamer 
Fleetwing, the daily packet that plied between Catletts- 
burg and Louisa, at that time a very attractive little 
steamer, and, not unlike all other steamboats, afforded 
splendid fare, and nice accommodations. Quite a 
merry crowd of us, all out for a good time, and a 
good time we had. Supper being ready we were ready 
too. Cousin Mousie and I were seated at the first table 



26 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

next the cabin, there being some five or six tables 
down the aisle. I saw coming in the direction of our 
table an old beau of mine whom I had not seen for 
years. I, in a low tone, said to my cousin, "There is 
my old beau/' calling him by name and remarked that 
"I did hope he would stop at some other table." I 
was doomed to disappointment for on he came, taking 
a seat just opposite me, then, looking at me with an ex- 
pression half reminiscent, half questioning, at once 
he taking it for granted that I too must have recog- 
nized him, exclaimed, "Is it possible that I am meeting, 
face to face, with Miss Josie Martin?" I, of course, 
returned the recognition. Apparently with some pleas- 
ure he arose and shook hands with me as though all the 
past had been sunshine and smooth sailing and disputes 
and quarrels had been forgotten. There is an old 
maxim, "The course of true love never runs smooth," 
though there had never been much true love in the case 
as far as I was concerned. Altogether we could not 
get on smoothly at all so it all stopped short after a not 
very lengthy period of acquaintance. I knew at their 
time he had married and had been informed that he 
had amassed quite a fortune. I never saw him again 
The Fleetwing landed on time at the Louisa wharf. 
All the invited guests went to the hotel to get ready 
for the happy event. The wedding was a swell affair. 
The bridal party looked splendid in their wedding ap- 
parel. The large parlor was well filled with the wed- 
ding guests, all beautifully gowned in their evening 
attire. The ceremony was solemn and impressive. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 27 

Then we were invited to enter the dining room where 
a lovely supper was served ; not a present day refresh- 
ment but everything that was then to be thought of; 
the table was loaded with just plenty to eat and to spare. 
A good time we had until the "Wee small hours'' of the 
night drove us back to the hotel. The following day 
we again went on board the same steamer back to 
Catlettsburg where I remained for some time before 
going to my own home, finishing my visit. Thus the 
time went by, nothing of any note taking place that 
I can now recall as I never kept a diary, consequently 
I have forgotten many things. This neglect I now 
regret very much. I ofttimes have wished that I could 
recall some of my past life for there is much that I 
could remedy that would at the present day be of much 
value. 

The Winter of 1879 and until February, 1880, I 
was again in Catlettsburg visiting Mrs. Captain Hop- 
kins. In fact I considered her home mine, too, for I 
spent almost as much time with them as I did at my 
own. I really loved to be with her, she was so dear 
to me and I knew she needed me to help her with her 
children. I will say here that at this time they had 
three little girls, Elizabeth the oldest (now Mrs. George 
Dimick) ; Mame, the second daughter (now Mrs. Jo- 
seph Mathewson) ; Nell, a tiny baby only weighing 
three pounds. That tiny baby of 1880 is now a hand- 
some widow (Mrs. Hughes). John, their fourth child, 
was later added to their family, a fine man living 
in Ashland, and in the banking business. Alas! the 



28 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

flight of time. The reminiscences of those days all 
seem as but yesterday and when I meet with those chil- 
dren of my cousin and consider their age, all married, 
it brings so forcibly to me that age is fast creeping 
upon us all. 

"Remorseless Time has turned another page 
In its record book of human age — 

That Chronicle so dark, 
Where every act upon life's stage, 
Each footstep of our pilgrimage — 

Has left some warning mark. 

"The year gone by has spent its sands, 
Another now before us stands — 

Unread, unknown and vast, 
This too will glide from Youth's strong hands, 
Away to join the misty bands 

Which gather in the past." 

In the meantime my Cousin Alex L. Martin died, 
leaving a heartbroken wife, with their two little chil- 
dren, Elizabeth and George B. In less than four 
months she too passed into the great unknown. Thus 
the two small children were left, another mysterious 
act of God's providence which was past finding out, 
though some day, somehow, all will be made clear 
when the veil shall be lifted; we will then understand 
why these sad occurrences are laid upon His children. 
In February, 1880, 1 thought I might be needed at home 
so bringing my Winter visit to a close I took voyage 
for home on the Jerry Osborn, the steamboat owned 



HER LIFE AND WORK 29 

by Captain Hopkins and of which he was at that time 
captain. His interest in those Big Sandy steamers 
made a very pleasant way of traveling for me as I 
could come and go at my own leisure and no cost at- 
tached to my traveling. Those annual trips I ofttimes 
bring to mind with pleasant memories and also with 
sadness now. So many of the loved ones who enjoyed 
those voyages together and were so happy, so joyous 
and gay have gone away forever. 

The clerk, who always took every advantage to make 
the passengers comfortable and happy, has long since 
"Gone the way of all the earth." The good Captain 
four years ago left us all for fairer climes and eternal 
sunshine. 

Each year though we traverse mainly the same roads, 
by some fashion we sometimes come upon some place 
or thing that has before escaped us, though rarely any- 
thing that brings past and present together, as hap- 
pened when I returned to my home. Some years past 
I had met and heard preach at Paintsville the Rev. 
George O. Barnes, a great evangelist. Upon my ar- 
rival I found him holding a protracted service in my 
home town. The services were being held in the Court- 
room as that was the largest public room in the place at 
that time. 



CHAPTER IV. 

Frank J. Harmison, a capitalist of Baltimore, Mary- 
land, who had a line of stores in many of the larger 
towns and cities along the Ohio River from Parkers- 
burg, West Virginia, to Ironton, Ohio, also in some 
of the Big Sandy towns, in Pikeville and one in Pres- 
tonsburg, and his younger brother, P. D. Harmison, 
better known as "Bub," from Brirgeport, West Vir- 
ginia, had come on to our town a few days before 
my return. I went to hear the great evangelist preach 
that night. The young Mr. Harmison, being in the 
congregation, saw me and made an effort to learn who 
the young lady was, wearing a sealskin cap though it 
proved at the time that no one was able to enlighten 
him and all his efforts proved futile. The evening fol- 
lowing I saw a strange gentleman walking down the 
street. I wondered who that nice, good-looking young 
man could be; he was just my ideal. I admired him 
beyond any one I had ever seen, although a perfect 
stranger and without the remotest idea as to who he 
was. For a few days my mind would turn to the 
handsome stranger who had aroused such a feeling of 
admiration and I began to wish for an opportunity of 
meeting him and to learn for my own satisfaction 
just who he could be, and in a few days I had the 

30 



HER LIFE AND WORK 31 

much desired pleasure. I had an occasion to go to 
Harmison & Company's store; I wore the fatal cap. 
It was then the unexpected happened. That morning as 
I entered the store one of the clerks smiled and said, 
"Now he will find out who the attractive young lady 
is that wears the sealskin cap." While we thus 
chatted Mr. Harmison evidently saw me enter for 
soon he came forward to where I was standing and lo ! 
we had met face to face and behold ! there stood the 
ideal of my dreams. We were introduced; I attended 
to my errand and went back home feeling that I 
had gained my point so far, and wondered as to 
what Mr. Schmucker, the clerk, meant when he spoke 
of the lady wearing the cap. In the course of 
future events I was enlightened; one of the strangest 
things about our acquaintance was that our minds 
seemed to run in the same channel; practically the 
same thoughts were drifting together. From church 
that night he walked home with me and ever after that 
his attention was often marked; in fact, we were to- 
gether as often as an opportunity afforded and that was 
as long as the protracted meeting lasted. After the clos- 
ing of the revival he went to Pikeville to take charge 
of his brother's store. Then went by that week of 
golden days, and through them a thrill of pleasure so 
unlike anything I had ever experienced before. I felt 
somewhat lonely, but it was one of the many cases that 
usually come to all young people, especially when one 
finds themselves in love. Thus the remainder of the 
Winter went by. Then rushed in the blustering month 



32 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

of March, the disagreeable long first month of Spring 
that is good only for plotting and planning, and about 
the first, Mr. Harmison again visited my home town 
and plans were being laid for the future. There now 
was no doubt; a strong affection had sprung up be- 
tween us. In fact it was a well authenticated case 
of love at first sight with us both. The proper time 
had come for him to explain to me his thoughts. That 
night, when he first caught sight of me in church, he 
said to himself, "I don't know who that young lady 
is but she is my wife if I can get her." And he 
said to me of all the girls he had met and associated 
with, I really was the first he had ever wished to 
be his wife. We were married April 22nd, 1880, at 
8:00 o'clock P.M. The marriage ceremony was per- 
formed by the Rev. Henry Hager, in the presence of a 
few special friends, ten or twelve perhaps. The eve- 
ning was mild, the moon shining in all her brilliance ; it 
was truly a beautiful night. 

After a short time I went to Pikeville to live for a 
while. We had no idea of locating there permanently, 
consequently we did not go housekeeping. We boarded 
at the Hatcher Hotel. Boarding for a while was very 
nice as it was a little change in my way of living, but 
soon it grew somewhat monotonous. I had always led 
a very active life, therefore boarding did not appeal 
to me very long, with nothing much to do. I had al- 
ways more work before me than I could easily ac- 
complish; however, I passed off the time by doing 
fancy-work, reading and visiting and sometimes stay- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 33 

ing in the store with Mr. Harmison when he was not 
too busy to have me around. 

I thought that the two months went by slowly ; time 
then did not seem to pass so rapidly as at the present. 
May and June finally went by. We had planned for 
our wedding trip to take place some time in July. My 
husband could not arrange his business affairs so as to 
enable an earlier leave of absence from the store. I 
presume the thought of such a trip made the time seem 
so slow in passing away. The middle of July was now 
approaching and the time for me to begin to pack my 
trunk for the long expected journey east. The middle 
of July usually finds the Big Sandy River very low, 
with steamboats all laid off. The old-fashioned flat 
boats at that time took their place. The flat boats 
were run by man-power, with long poles pushing 
shoulder to shoulder. It necessitated three or four 
strong men on both sides to push. Going up stream it 
was hard work; they were always so heavy loaded 
with boxes of goods, but passing down stream it was 
smooth sailing. It was on one of those flat boats that 
our trunk had to be conveyed to Catlettsburg. We 
employed a man to drive us in his hack. In those 
days that was the best mode of traveling, when the 
steamers were not running, though I have known per- 
sons, even ladies, making the journey on those flat 
boats, usually taking four or five days to make the trip. 
It never appealed to me though as a very pleasant way 
of traveling, as I never went a very great distance on 
one. The roads were rocky and rough with steep 



34 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

hills to climb. Some places looked so dangerous that 
I preferred to walk rather than risk an overturn. The 
trip to Louisa, a distance of about sixty miles, was 
made in two days' hard traveling. I enjoyed the jour- 
ney, even if it was rough, dry, hot and dusty, and good 
company made those hard, tiresome trips somewhat a 
source of enjoyment, too. 

We drove in Louisa sometime before dark, went to 
the room assigned us at the hotel, getting rid of the 
dust of the day's travel, which somewhat rested us, we 
were ready for supper. 

We found at the hotel a gentleman with his team 
and hack, who was going back to Catlettsburg the next 
day. We dismissed our former driver, who was glad 
to turn his team back toward his home in Pikeville, 
and the gentleman was glad also to have the passengers, 
as well as our money on his homeward return. We 
had with us Miss Grace Lanham, of Catlettsburg, who 
had been the music teacher for several months at 
Pikeville. We had boarded together at the Hatcher 
Hotel and had grown quite fond of each other, con- 
sequently that added a good bit to the enjoyment of the 
trip. She was a lively companion and we were glad 
to have her with us. I must admit that a rough jour- 
ney like that was not so pleasant as it was on steam- 
boats. However, after reaching Catlettsburg she went 
to her own home. I never saw her again. She mar- 
ried soon after and went away. I never learned where. 

On leaving Louisa the following morning, we had 
another day's journey before us, but not quite so rough. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 35 

the road from Louisa to Catlettsburg being used 
much more and being kept in better traveling condition, 
not so hilly. The mountains were lower. Taking 
it all upon a whole, we had a nice time although the 
weather was hot, dry and very dusty. We drove to 
the Alger House, the best hotel in Catlettsburg, situ- 
ated on the bank of the Ohio River. Arriving there 
quite early in the afternoon, a good bath and rest from 
the day's travel and we were considerably refreshed. 
The supper hour at hand, and that being over we then 
called for the evening at my cousin's house, Mrs. Cap- 
tain Hopkins. The tiny baby Nell (now Mrs. Ed 
Hughes, the pretty widow) had grown quite a bit 
and beginning to be real cute and sweet, taking notice 
of the surroundings. Thus the evening was spent in 
much enjoyment. Mr. Harmison's brother Frank, 
from Baltimore, joined us the next day. They went 
to Ironton, Ohio, to look after the interest of the 
store there, I remaining in Catlettsburg to have some 
dental work done. I was in the dental chair all day 
and I was ready to admit it was not even as pleasant 
as driving down the Big Sandy River in a hack. I was 
somewhat pressed for time as a result of the whole 
day's dental work. The day following I went down 
to Ironton. That was my first time in Ironton, 
and also it was the last as I have never had an occa- 
sion to be there again. After the business affairs were 
all adjusted Mr. Harmison and I took a large steamer 
for Cincinnati. I had some shopping to do prior to 
our Eastern trip. That was the second time I ever 



36 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

was in Cincinnati. We stopped at the St. James 
Hotel. As a present Mr. Harmison bought me a pretty 
little watch. It was a little beauty, and how I did 
treasure it. I had all my life wished for one and I 
had often promised myself if I ever should be fortu- 
nate enough to possess one that I would wear it con- 
tinually. One year I kept that resolution; after the 
expiration of that time other things loomed up in my 
life that seemed to be more important than wearing 
a watch and I began to neglect to wind it and to lay 
it aside. 

In the meantime brother Frank visited and looked 
after all his stores along the line and adjusted all his 
interests satisfactorily. Before we separated we 
planned to meet at Parkersburg, West Virginia, and 
together go on to Bridgeport (which we did). He 
there met us at the wharf. We had a number of days' 
travel from the city to Parkersburg. The river was 
low at the time and the steamer being large made slow 
speed on such a scarcity of water. After spending a 
day or two in Parkersburg we were then ready to re- 
sume our journey on to Bridgeport. We boarded the 
train at two o'clock in the afternoon for Bridgeport. 
That was the first time I had ever traveled on a train. 



CHAPTER V. 

Arriving at Bridgeport at six o'clock that same eve- 
ning, brother Frank with us. He had arranged matters 
so as to visit their sister at the same time with us, so 
as all to be together. They all met me as though I 
had been no stranger to them, made me feel very much 
at home with them and apparently glad to have me 
with them. That was the first time I had ever had 
the pleasure of meeting any of them. I found Mrs. Dr. 
Late to be a charming woman, refined, brilliant and 
educated and right pretty. She being the only sister 
of four brothers, of course they were very fond of 
her. She had one little girl seven years old named 
Fannie, for her grandmother Harmison. Her grand- 
mother had recently returned from Baltimore, bring- 
ing her a pretty new outfit, a silk dress, stockings, hat 
and slippers to match. When I had been in the house 
just long enough to have met and become acquainted 
with each member of the family, she exclaimed, "Now 
I am glad Aunt Josie has come for I can wear my new 
clothes and have some one to go with me to church 
and Sunday School, where I can show them off." (So 
I did.) Her mother laughingly told me that the Sun- 
day before there was something out of the ordinary 
going on at one of the churches in Bridgeport and that 

37 



38 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

a number of Clarksburg people came driving by. 
Fannie came running into the house exclaiming, "Give 
me my new dress so I can hang it on the gatepost and 
those Clarksburg people can see it as I cannot go out 
and wear it." 

We had been there only a few days when a baby 
brother was added to the family. Fannie was happy. 
I never saw a child so elated over a baby as she (a 
brother, and she had been so lonely by herself). She 
could scarcely realize her happiness to have a playmate. 
Dr. Late was such an admirer of General Gordon that 
he named his baby son in honor of him. There, in- 
deed, was a happy household over the new arrival. 

While we were there Dr. Late's brother (John Dun- 
kin) brought home his bride. Their mother, Mrs. 
Judge Dunkin, who the second time was left a widow, 
with her large family, lived a mile from Bridgeport, 
gave us all a reception and a lovely supper was served 
to us newly married folk. We had a pleasant evening 
in that spacious country home; an evening that will 
be always fresh in my memory. Mr. Harmison's 
mother lived about half of her time with her son in 
Baltimore and half with her daughter, Mrs. Dr. Late. 
She was a grand woman; I thought one of the most 
attractive women I ever met. She was handsome and 
extremely stylish, and for one of her advanced age as 
active as a young girl. In fact, an almost perfect 
woman. She was the mother of four sons and only 
the one daughter. Her sons were Frank J., Billie, 
Henry, and my husband, who was her baby boy. She 



HER LIFE AND WORK 39 

was left a widow when my husband was a small child. 

After a two weeks' visit in that pretty home, with 
kind and hospitable relatives, we then prepared to make 
our next visit to brother Henry's at Berkeley Springs. 
He was a merchant. We had a nice visit with his 
family for about two weeks. His good wife I thought 
was one of the finest cooks I ever saw. They made 
me feel at home with them. 

Thence the next move was to Baltimore to visit his 
brother F. J.'s family. Their home was on Baltimore 
Street. It was somewhat of a palace, surrounded by 
a large green grassy lawn, filled with grand old stately 
shade trees, beautiful flowers and a most attractive 
home. His wife, a beautiful woman, was very sweet 
and charming. They had three small children, one boy 
and two girls and servants they had in their home 
galore. Chambermaid, cook, nurse, dining room boy 
and driver and the colored dining room servant they 
had raised from a very small child themselves. He 
stuttered which was quite amusing to the children. They 
questioned him often so as to hear him stutter. Poor 
boy, he did not live very long after he became grown. 
A sad death for the family as they were all so fond 
of him. Emma, brother Frank's wife, did everything 
to give me a nice time and presented me with several 
pretty gifts. I still have some of them in my posses- 
sion. She planned a day's outing for us and prepared 
a lovely luncheon and on the 12th day of August we 
all went on board a steamship and went out to Fair 
Haven, an island out in the Chesapeake Bay, a resort 



4 o JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

for the city people about twenty miles out from Balti- 
more. That was the first time I ever was on a steam- 
ship and also the first time I ever was out so far on 
water that I could not see land. It was a wonderful 
day for me. I was seeing the things that all my life 
I had wished for. I saw them catching crabs and oys- 
ters and there was also a bathing beach. Many were 
enjoying the salt water baths. That was the first 
time I had ever seen people in bathing together. It was 
all so new to me. I was being somewhat edu- 
cated. The day being spent and night approaching the 
steamer, that had been anchored during the day, was 
then ready for its return to the city. At ten that night 
we were back at the landing, after a somewhat rough 
voyage. The ship was so crowded that it was not safe 
and kept the officers of the boat continually going back 
and forth to keep the passengers from crowding to 
one side. The driver was at the wharf waiting for 
our return. Each day while there we were driven to 
some place of interest and the time had gone by like a 
flash and we had turned our attention to making the 
preparation for return to our Big Sandy home. We 
had been on the wing for six successive weeks, then we 
bade them all a fond adieu with a feeling of regret that 
the pleasant visit had ended. We then purchased our 
tickets for Parkersburg. By that time I was getting 
a little accustomed to train traveling and was enjoying 
that mode of travel immensely, and still I am fond of it. 
We had quite a lengthy trip, but reached our destina- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 41 

tion feeling as fresh as if it had been only an hour's 
run. 

Upon our arrival we found the Ohio River very low. 
The large boats were all anchored and had given the 
low tide steamers their place. This necessitated sev- 
eral days' stay at Parker sburg waiting for a small boat 
to come in. We stopped at the Hotel Hamilton, situ- 
ated on the bank of the river. I met a number of 
ladies at the hotel which made the stay pleasant. After 
a few days' waiting we had the opportunity to get 
started. I cannot now recall to mind the name of the 
small boat we went on board, but well do I remember 
that we had another delay. When we reached Gal- 
lipolis, Ohio, the boat here had to make the necessary 
connection. We were delightfully situated there. The 
hotel was kept by the parents of Mr. Will Dunn, one 
of the clerks in the Pikeville store. Mrs. Dunn was 
such a motherly, dear old lady; so good and kind to 
all her guests. She had two lovely daughters, both 
at home: Miss Jennie and Miss Norcie, both attrac- 
tive and pretty. I admired them for their kind, 
sweet and obliging manner and their willingness to 
assist their good mother in all the duties of the hotel. 
We remained in that hotel for a few days. Our part- 
ing with them was the last time I ever saw any of 
those dear, kind and hospitable friends, the memory 
of which I cherish and with sadness, too, for in a 
very few years the most of the family have gone "the 
way of all the Earth." 

That trip, at the time it was taken by me, was the 



42 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

most delightful one I had ever had in all my life. It 
looms up to my mind with pleasure and then is over- 
shadowed, like the sun being hidden behind the clouds. 
So few are left that then were here so happy, buoy- 
ant and gay. 

I had almost forgotten to mention the island that 
lies below Parker sburg that proved to be so historic in 
American events. The island home of Blennerhassett, 
who figured in the Aaron Burr conspiracy upon the 
United States, to his sorrow and also to the destruc- 
tion of his palatial home. The island so historic for 
its former beauty, after being cleared and made to 
eclipse all other places and homes in magnificent splen- 
dor, there he built his memorable mansion which is a 
thing of the past ; nothing remains of that magnificent 
palace, once owned and occupied by himself and fam- 
ily, except a few foundation stones, steps and the old 
well is still there and, it is said, the well can be used, 
and that locust and other trees, said to have been 
planted by Blennerhassett himself, overshadow its 
moss covered edges and that its crystal waters drop 
from the "old oaken bucket." 

The Ohio and Virginia hills and the beautiful river 
and the clear blue sky, a writer has said, are the only 
things which look in the least as they must have looked 
to the original inhabitants. At the present time there 
is little to remind the curious visitor of the happiness 
and splendor of a hundred years ago. 'Tis said that 
the river on either side is so narrow as to permit the 



HER LIFE AND WORK 43 

distinct hearing of an ordinary conversation between 
island and main shore. 

From either side back of fertile meadows rise pic- 
turesque hills that seem to close in the deserted island 
from the outside world. The traveler, who is familiar 
with its history, when passing either on boat or train 
will try to catch a glimpse of the lonely deserted isle, 
where once was a scene of great beauty ; where merri- 
ment, festivity and hilarity reigned for a season, and 
joy, happiness and peace until the subtle destroyer came, 
a little more than a century ago. 

The island was pointed out to me on this my first 
trip up the Ohio River and this little historic sketch 
given to me. Ever after in passing along the route I 
took much delight and interest in viewing that deserted 
isle and it often supplies my mind food for thought. 

After leaving Gallipolis we still found traveling on 
low tide water very slow. The steamers had to take 
their time, we were traveling under difficulties, but 
finally after a number of days of slow sailing we 
landed at Catlettsburg. We soon learned that there 
was a tide in Sandy, which would enable the smaller 
steamboats to make the trip. This was encouraging 
to know we were to be fortunate enough to avoid a 
long tiresome drive over the same road we had driven 
over when we came down. The little boat had been 
loaded and was about ready to start ; we went on board 
with a feeling of relief. It was then nearing the close 
of August and the weather was extremely hot, the 
boat, stopping at every landing, taking on and putting 



44 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

off passengers and goods. I would walk off on shore to 
try to keep cool, as the boat was disagreeably warm. 
In the course of time the end was reached. We were 
glad to vacate the boat at Prestonsburg, as our intention 
was not to go back to Pikeville. We decided to remain 
in my home town and my husband go into business. He 
and Mr. I. Richmond buying out his brother, F. J. 
Harmison's store and becoming a partnership business, 
the firm changed the name to Harmison & Richmond, 
and they remained partners in business as long as Mr. 
Harmison lived, which was eleven years. 

My Aunt Elizabeth needed my assistance in the 
home so we decided to remain with her for a while. 

I shall have to give a sketch here of the little friends 
of the long ago that I mentioned in the beginning, so 
as to make the proper connection with my story. As 
the years have glided into the past many and great have 
been the changes since those early days of our happy 
childhood. All have married and have homes of their 
own. Sallie Davidson, the eldest of the four nieces of 
my aunt, married H. H. Fitzpatrick, who at that time 
was County Clerk of Floyd County, and they still are 
residents of the old home town of Prestonsburg. Alice, 
the second, married Frank Hopkins, a brother of the 
Captain's, a lawyer, originally from Tazewell, Virginia. 
They also located in the old home town. Anna, the 
fourth, had married the summer before to Mr. Schu- 
macher, a clerk in one of the stores of F. J. Harmison. 
They both have since crossed the "swelling tide," 
but Josie, the third niece was the last to marry. Not 



HER LIFE AND WORK 45 

until November, 1880, the Fall following our wedding, 
she was married to Mr. Walter S. Harkins, a promi- 
nent lawyer of our town. He ever studied to make 
his home cheerful, even to luxury, its inmates happy 
and in entertainment of friends in his home he was 
peerless and fascinating. 

The evening of their marriage, at her parents' home, 
was given a big wedding. They both looked hand- 
some in their wedding apparel ; a pretty and impressive 
marriage ceremony. The wedding guests consisted 
of almost the entire population of our little town. An 
elegant supper was then served to all the guests, the 
table loaded with the good things of that day and 
time. On the day following, a grand reception was 
given to the bridegroom at his home, where an ele- 
gant noonday meal was also served to the many 
guests. I speak of Mrs. Harkins in a long sketch be- 
cause of our continued close association in all our 
natural lives. 

We worked together in our Sunday School, our 
Church, our Eastern Star and other work such as our 
social gatherings, travels, visits, etc. In fact we had 
always been so completely connected that it was some- 
what like speaking of a cup and saucer or a knife and 
fork. To say that we never had any differences or 
spats I cannot, with truth, for we sometimes have 
had disputes that were were near akin to quarrels, but 
all those unpleasant spats soon passed over and we were 
the very best of chums again. She will prominently 
figure in this narrative before completion. 



46 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

Thus, the Winter came, December with its ice and 
snow. That Winter the measles broke out in our town, 
and I at the time had a full fledged case. Mr. Harmi- 
son being my nurse, I, of course, pulled through all 
right and really much better than I expected, consider- 
ing my inexperienced nurse. Winter went by with 
nothing of much interest, then Spring with warm wel- 
come sunshine and flowers. 

By that time I was getting anxious to go to house- 
keeping. We had then been married a year. I in- 
sisted, and at last prevailed upon Mr. Harmison to rent 
us a small dwelling. He did not care to housekeep 
but to satisfy my desire he rented the house, and 
with some addition it was ready for occupancy in 
August. How delighted I was to get in a home of my 
own! I was about as anxious to go to housekeeping 
as I was to teach school. However, I was somewhat 
older and had been taught a lesson since that memorable 
occurrence. I am glad to state that I never tired out 
so soon though. With all the experience and traveling 
about from places of much interest and pleasure that 
had been so prevalent I was not at all restless or the 
least disturbed when I slowed down to other events of 
the ordinary course of every day, including the three 
meals, regular each day and the other routine of house- 
hold duties that befall a well kept house; I really en- 
joyed it. 

The very next morning, after my first experience in 
my new home duties, I call to my mind the accident that 
happened to my aunt. After I had prepared my first 



HER LIFE AND WORK 47 

meal, which was breakfast and having finished all the 
housework in general, before preparing my dinner, 
thought I had better run up home, which was only a 
short distance, and see how my Aunt Elizabeth was 
getting on without me. I was surprised and grieved 
to find she had a few moments before sprained her 
ankle, which was giving her considerable pain. In the 
meantime I finished her morning work for her. She 
was without a servant ; no one in the house to help her. 
I then went back home to prepare our noonday meal; 
thence back to help her again. I found her condition 
very much worse. In fact she was past walking. 
Nothing else could I do but close my door and go back 
to her until she could procure a servant and take 
charge of the affairs as of old. Well, this was an- 
other occurrence which was suggestive for another 
joke on me. I was twitted quite a bit; some said it 
was another school freak, others said they thought we 
should have held out for at least a whole day before 
starving out. I took the joke all in good humor. In 
the course of a day or two she had secured a good 
girl, then all went well. I returned to my new home. 
She soon recovered from her disabled ankle and was 
walking as usual, with the assistance of a cane. 

The Rev. Medley and his wife were visiting my aunt 
and a few weeks after we went to housekeeping I pre- 
pared a supper and the first invited guests we had 
were my Aunt Elizabeth, her visitors and all the 
family. That was a joyous occasion; I felt my im- 
portance as hostess. That was the first minister we 



48 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

had the real pleasure of entertaining, but not the last; 
ever after our home was the home of the preachers. 
The longer I kept house the more charmed I became 
with my duties. Thus the summer with its never fail- 
ing hours went swiftly by, then autumn with its golden 
fruit, its changing colors of the leaves of the forest 
trees, after light frost falls, and again the winter; 
Christmas went by, then the bleak, cold month of 
January, 1882. A memorable month to me for on 
the 1 2th a sweet little baby girl came into our home. 
We named her Fannie Elizabeth. Mother Harmison 
came on at the time and made us a visit. She re- 
mained in our home until April, notwithstanding all 
our entreaties to remain longer, she had made up her 
mind to go ; we went to the river to see her off ; as the 
boat pulled out she waved a last farewell. A thought 
came into my mind that I would never see her again 
and it sure enough was the last good-by. She passed 
from earth the next Spring, 1883. 

"We knew that an indulgent mother from us was taken, 
But my faith in Him was not shaken, 
All things He doeth for us well, 
This loss upon us fell." 



CHAPTER VI. 

After mother Harmison left us, in a short time, we 
had an opportunity to take Alex Spradlin, a small boy 
of about eight or nine years of age, into our home, 
his mother having just died. The little fellow was a 
good boy; truthful, affectionate and obedient. We 
soon learned to love him as if he were our own. Spring 
soon passed by, then the Summer. Little Fannie, then 
almost six months old, growing so sweet and interest- 
ing; we simply worshiped her. In July she became a 
very sick baby and God, for some wise purpose, took 
her away from us on the 21st. I questioned myself 
as to why it was so, but His ways are not our ways 
and I knew I must submit, and that some day we 
should understand. All was done that was known to 
medical skill but failed. We were then brought to the 
realization with crushed hearts that the end had come. 
"The little flower drooped and faded, 

The beating heart was forever stilled, 
Left aching hearts unaided, 

O'er the form that by 'death's cold touch had chilled.' " 

What a comfort our little orphan boy was then ; I 
really don't know how we could have lived without 
him during those dark and lonely hours. Our home 
was quite small; we had in the meantime bought the 

49 



50 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

place. Mr. Harmison bought a large lot and we built 
a larger, more commodious house. For that day and 
time it was a modern up-to-date house and a very 
pretty structure. When finished we made the first and 
only move we ever made in Prestonsburg. That has 
been thirty-eight years ago and at this writing I still 
own it. 

The business of the firm of Harmison & Richmond 
was a success ; everything my husband engaged in was 
a financial success. He was a fine business man, a 
man of tender affection, warm friendship, charitable, 
generous to a fault. In fact a man that was loved by 
all who knew him and more especially the poorer class 
of people on whom he was ever ready to bestow a kind 
act. Not perfect though ; faults he had, but faults are 
nature's kin and none are exempt of all Adam's race. 

The years glided by ; I had worked hard, managed in 
many ways to help my husband to make a living. 
I had kept boarders and economized in everything; I 
have always managed my household well. The cares 
and responsibilities were weighing heavily upon me ; I 
had had but little rest in the past few years. My aunt 
in the meantime had become afflicted, thus adding to my 
responsibilities another heavy burden. All began to tell 
me that a little change in affairs and a rest might prove 
beneficial, and get entirely away from my daily routine 
of domestic duties of everyday life. 

Prior to this time I had boarded a professor and 
his wife, teachers in our school. They were from 
Hawsville, Ky. They insisted upon my visiting them. 




bio 
v- 

O 

S- 

0. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 51 

Mrs. Harkins had received a pressing invitation from 
a friend living in New Amsterdam, Ind., to make 
her a visit. Both these small towns are situated 
on the Ohio River. She and I consulted the matter 
over and made our own plans to visit these friends 
of the past. We had never traveled alone and came 
to the conclusion if we ever expected to learn now was 
the time. We then explained our contemplated plans 
to our husbands; the arrangement met their approval 
and they readily acquiesced, so we considered the ob- 
struction overcome, there was nothing else for us to 
do but get ready for the journey. We both had a good 
cook to leave in charge of the household affairs. 
The arrangements all made, the suitcases packed 
and the time for starting fixed. The river was 
just high enough for a small boat to ply the Big Sandy 
between Prestonsburg and Richardson, making daily 
trips when there was water enough for boating stage. 
Richardson was at that time the terminus of the C. & 
O. railroad. The "SIP BAYS" was the small steamer 
that was employed to make those daily trips of thirty- 
two miles. Mrs. Harkins and I went on board this 
little steamer which pulled out quite early in the morn- 
ing so as to make connection with the daily train at 
the small town of Richardson. The steamboats have 
their regular landings. At one of these landings 
an old lady came aboard; she was extremely com- 
municative especially to Mrs. Harkins, apparently 
taking no notice of me at all. After learning that Mrs. 
Harkins was the wife of the lawyer who had attended 



52 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

some business affair and with success, of hers, 
she became more and more infatuated with her, to all 
appearances. When we drew near the Richardson 
landing she turned a scrutinous glance at me, seem- 
ingly the very first time she had observed my presence, 
and said, "Mrs. Harkins, is this here your gal you have 
got along with you?" I tried to suppress a titter but 
failed. A loud peal of laughter burst forth in spite of 
my tremendous effort to keep it back. Mrs. Harkins in 
her evident confusion tangled herself up; in her effort 
to avoid her personal embarrassment she, of course, 
blushed. I was more amused than ever at her em- 
barrassment; when she had somewhat recovered her- 
self she answered the old lady by saying, "You surely 
have not looked very closely at her," from which she 
said, "Maybe I haven't." The amusing part of the 
whole affair to me was that I was nearly three years 
her senior. She evidently knew I had the joke on her. 
When the boat landed the clerk took up our suit 
cases and carried them up the river bank to the little 
hotel, thus leaving the old lady with her bundles, band 
box, satchel, and all other things pertaining to her 
traveling paraphernalia, which were legion. She 
turned to me and said, "I don't see how I am going to 
carry all my baggage up the bank." I then took 
up as many as I could well carry and rendered my 
assistance in her dilemma. Her son met her at the 
hotel and she gave Mrs. Harkins an introduction to 
him, again forgetting the "gal" that had so kindly 
assisted in taking care of her baggage. Mrs. Harkins 



HER LIFE AND WORK 53 

evidently could not rid herself of the confusion. She 
dreaded it ; well, she knew I had it in for her. When 
we were starting to the train the old lady bade her a 
long, lingering, sad good-by, still no good-by did she 
have for the "gal." We boarded our train for Catletts- 
burg and were soon on our journey, I, with an ex- 
pression of continued merriment, but saying nothing 
for the time being; just awaiting my chance to spring 
the fun. 

We stopped off at Catlettsburg, visiting Mrs. Hop- 
kins. As a matter of course I had to tell the joke there, 
as it was too good to keep and enjoy all by myself, so 
others I had to enjoy it with me. Mrs. Harkins would 
try her very best not to appear to care for it and would 
smile, though a sickly smile it was. 

We bought our tickets for Louisville, Ky., then 
resumed our journey on our "Wild goose chase," I 
called it. So far, so good. We were congratulating 
ourselves upon our good speed when, all at once the 
engine in some way became disabled and had to side- 
track the train at Morehead; a long wait on a sultry 
August afternoon until an engine from Huntington, 
W. Va., could be fired and run down to convey the 
train on to the city of Louisville. About four hours' 
wait, sidetracked, and in August, one would not nat- 
urally enjoy very much, but we were learning to de- 
pend upon ourselves alright anyway. The train was 
due in Louisville at 9 o'clock P.M., but the delay pro- 
longed by the four hours threw us getting into Louis- 
ville at 1 o'clock A.M. We arrived all safe and 



54 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

sound, took a cab and drove up to the "Louisville 
Hotel/' the most expensive one in the city at that day. 
That was nice and we were having an experience, 
too. We registered, got our room, and for the 
remainder of the night we slept. The next morn- 
ing we were up early. After breakfast was served we 
went out into the city to do some shopping. That was 
my first visit to Louisville. We went to different 
stores, purchased the things we wanted and back to 
the hotel without making any mistakes. After our 
noonday meal we paid our bills, that amounted to $3.00 
each. We then ordered a cab to drive us to the wharf, 
a distance of about a block and a half. We sure were 
"spreading on." Paid the driver fifty cents each when 
a dime might have been sufficient to have paid a little 
boy to carry our suit cases. By this time I knew my 
money was going fast but I was learning and that was 
one of the special things in view of the trip, as well 
as pleasure. 

The "JAMES GAFF" was the packet that was due 
that afternoon. Mrs. Harkins had notified her friends 
at New Amsterdam that we would be on this steamer, 
which was due at that place about 1 1 o'clock P.M. that 
same night. This friend of Mrs. Harkins' was 
Mrs. Dr. Watkins, they had met while in the hospital in 
Louisville a few years prior to the visit; they had 
become the very best of friends, ever keeping in touch 
with each other by letter. The doctor was at the wharf 
when the steamer landed ready to receive us. Mrs. 
Watkins, a lovely little woman so kind and sweet and 



HER LIFE AND WORK 55 

very pretty. They had two attractive children, a little 
boy and the other a girl. A happy home with every- 
thing that was nice. We had planned this visit at the 
right time ; it was in the midst of the fruit season, and 
never before or since have I seen so much luscious 
fruit. Every kind that could be thought of that 
can be raised in the North and vegetables of every de- 
scription ; melons of every kind. The porch table was 
kept loaded all the time, with orders for us to eat when 
we so desired. Mrs. Watkins was a fine cook and we 
certainly did feast all through that visit. 

They took us to see and go through a vineyard while 
there which was a scene for us as I had never been in 
one before. We had a lovely visit with them. I had 
written my friend Mrs. Hays at Hawsville when she 
could expect us, our visit now over. Mrs. Dr. Wat- 
kins' parents lived at Hawsville, and the Doctor told 
her that she and the children could go with us, thus 
making them a visit at the time we were there and be 
with us a while longer. 

The steamer "GUTHRIE" was due at 11 o'clock 
that night; we all went on board, got our staterooms 
and retired for the night. The next day we arrived at 
Hawsville. Mrs. Hays, my friend, lived three miles 
below. Mrs. Harkins and I went on, getting there 
about ten. Mrs. Hays has a fine Ohio river farm and 
everything that anyone needs to live on that a fine farm 
can produce, and is surrounded by some of her brothers 
and sisters, all owning beautiful farms, making her 
life one of pleasantness. 



56 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

The first time I wrote to Mr. Harmison I began to 
laugh and Mrs. Harkins said, "I know what you are 
laughing about, you are writing to Bub about that old 
lady taking me for your mother." (She was right.) 
We had a nice visit with those kind friends, long to be 
remembered; those were days of plenty. I have often 
wondered if those blessings will ever be ours again. 
Some friends at Hawsville invited us to make them a 
visit. We drove up there for a few days' visit 
with them. The Rev. Goodson, a grand old minister, 
whose daughter had taught music in our school, at the 
time boarding in the home of Mrs. Harkins' mother, 
insisted that we visit her, and also Mrs. Mitchell, the 
mother of Mrs. Watkins. 

When our visit was completed we bought our rail- 
road tickets for Catlettsburg ; our money by this time 
had run short and we thought it best to turn our faces 
homeward. So we got home without making a mis- 
take to find all had gone well. We had many inter- 
esting things to tell when we arrived and some quite 
laughable. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The next few years passed by with nothing" of much 
interest. In the meantime Mrs. Late and her two 
children, Fannie and Gordon, made us a visit. Gordon 
had grown considerably, then four or five years old, 
and Fannie twelve. They. spent a month with us. 

In 1888 Mr. Harmison and I decided to make an- 
other tour East. That was also in midsummer. We 
had to make the journey as far as Richardson on a 
hack; the mail was carried to this point daily, conse- 
quently there was a daily hack. The road was still 
rough and rocky. It took a good part of a day to make 
the trip of thirty-two miles, arriving there as the 
evening sun was just topping the high hills. The small 
hotel where we put up for the night was kept by a Mr. 
and Mrs. Garred. Next morning I asked her if I 
could leave my lawn dress that I had worn down on 
the hack until I came back. She said of course I could. 
Just to hang it up in the room we had occupied. 

The Ohio River railroad was now finished and trains 
were running regularly. At Catlettsburg we made the 
proper connection. At Huntington, W. Va., we were 
met by brother F. J. Harmison, and he being ready 
to leave for his home, joined us and we went on to- 
gether. He always having a railroad pass and the 

57J 



58 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

privilege of taking an additional passenger told me 
I could take the free pass. He was out in the interest 
of his Ohio river stores. We had to change cars at 
Parker sburg, W. Va., for Bridgeport, arriving at the 
usual time, six o'clock. We had another pleasant visit 
of two weeks with the Late's. While there we went 
out in the country to visit brother Billie's family. I 
thought it the most beautiful kept farm I had ever seen. 
The fields of clover and grass so green; the fences, as 
far as one could see, were white-washed, the cattle and 
sheep standing in the clover and grass to their knees; 
the buildings all painted so white. Taking it all in I 
never have seen a farm that appeared so inviting. 
They were excellent cooks and the most sanitary place 
I have ever seen on a farm. We enjoyed a few days 
with them, and our visit over, F. J. made it convenient 
to join us again and took me on the free pass to Balti- 
more to his home. Of course this lightened my travel- 
ing expenses. 

His wife and three children were at their accus- 
tomed Summer resort, Deer Park, Md. However, the 
servants were all at home and we had a nice time 
anyway. Frank, with us, told me to make my- 
self at home just as though his family were there. 
I had some shopping to do and a dress to have made. 
The housekeeper was at my command and assisted me 
in everything that was necessary. When, after two 
weeks' stay, and ready to leave, brother Frank went 
with us as far as Berkeley Springs, where we were 



HER LIFE AND WORK 59 

scheduled for a two weeks' visit with brother Henry's 
family, still free railroad fare. 

In those days every family that was able kept a 
nice team of horses and carriage, the only means of 
conveyance around home. We all drove out to a camp 
meeting. It was the first time I ever attended one. 
Automobiles were unheard of in those days. 

Brother F. J. wrote us that he had some business 
to attend to at Akron, Ohio, and if we were ready at 
the appointed time that he would pilot me as far as 
Cincinnati. We joined him at the appointed time, on 
the evening train, took a pullman and retired. At 
Akron he gave me his passbook with his address at 
Huntington, W. Va., and told me to mail it there, 
(which I did). All that long journey from Hunting- 
ton, W. Va., to Baltimore, Md., back to Berkeley 
Springs, then on to Cincinnati, a free trip. 

We arrived in Cincinnati in time to take in the 
exposition that was going on. That was when elec- 
tricity was beginning to be used. The electric display 
at the fair was fine for that time ; there was a pyramid 
of a thousand lights. At night it was very pretty. 
The exhibits were grand to me, as it was the first 
exhibition I had ever seen of the kind. I purchased a 
number of souvenirs, among which was a water- 
glass that had my name engraved on it, also place 
and date. That was the beginning of my collec- 
tion of Exposition Glasses, of which I have accumu- 
lated about fifteen, one from each Exposition that I 
have since attended. I saw them weaving silk garters 



60 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

and purchased a pair that I saw them finish; I still 
have one of them. The many different things they 
were manufacturing would be too numerous to men- 
tion. It was a great show to me. 

While in the city we bought our parlor suite. The 
stay was very profitable as well as pleasant. However, 
when we returned to Richardson Mrs. Garred had 
gone to a Camp Meeting. We were assigned the same 
room that we had occupied heretofore. My lawn dress 
I had left hanging in the room was gone. I went to 
the kitchen and asked the girls if they knew anything 
of it; they thought for a moment and said, "I expect 
that girl that left here yesterday morning stole it." 
I thought my dress was gone for good. Our 
sister, Mrs. Late, had given it to me for a birthday 
present when she visited us, and for that reason I 
regretted more than the loss of it. We had been 
home only a few days when Mrs. Layne's daughter 
Anna said to me, "Miss Josie, we hired a girl the other 
day and she had on your dress. I knew it the moment 
I saw it." That night I went down and told Mrs. 
Layne the circumstances surrounding the theft. She 
said, "Yes, your dress is hanging up in her room." 
We then went in and took my dress down; it was 
made in three pieces, shirt waist, overskirt and under- 
skirt. With it in my hand I went to the kitchen and 
said, "I have just come down after my dress that you 
took at Richardson," from which she in her sudden 
confusion said, "Some one took a dress of mine and I 
always take something in return." As a matter of 



HER LIFE AND WORK 61 

course I would never put it on again after the dirty 
thing had worn it, but I was determined she should 
not have it. I gave it to a girl that I had hired. I told 
her if she would wash and do it up she could have it. 

My Aunt Elizabeth Martin, who was then paralyzed, 
and had been almost in a helpless condition for four 
years, was a great responsibility. I not only had my 
own home to look after but hers as well. Although 
she kept two girls when she could get them, still the 
responsibility rested on me. This was the first time 
I had been away from her, for so long, since her 
affliction. The six weeks we were away, she said, 
seemed an age to her, but she had kept about as well 
as usual during our absence. She lived until the next 
June, 1889, when another stroke took her away from 
us forever. The following November her bachelor 
brother, Uncle Morgan Lackey (the one who took me 
on my first trip to Cincinnati), passed away. This 
old family, now all gone, a broken up house, the place 
of my early girlhood days, was gone. I felt as if I 
could never again go in it. It soon went into other 
hands. This brought to mind that "All things must 
pass away." 

Those early days of my first married life, although 
with advancing age creeping on, still linger in my 
memory, some of which bring up thoughts of many 
happy occasions and others that I have often wished I 
could obliterate entirely from memory. But this life 
is made up with both pleasant and unpleasant things ; 



62 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

the "bitter must go with the sweet"; all things work 
together, we hope, for good. 

The year before Mr. Harmison died the widow of 
one of the carpenters that assisted in the building of 
our home was dying; she sent for us and gave us her 
little girl of four years. She was a beautiful child 
with large blue eyes, fair complexion and golden curls. 
Mr. Ellis, her father, had died a year prior to her 
mother. They called her Josephine, for me. Mr. 
Harmison said he was willing to feed, clothe and edu- 
cate her if I did not care to have the responsibility. 
Alex Spradlin, our little boy, was now almost grown. 
We could not think of him any longer as a baby 
to be petted and we were able to care for her 
so far as this world's goods went. We felt that a 
home without a little child in it was not much pleasure; 
we accepted the gift. I said that I was an orphan and 
someone had to raise me; some of my friends said it 
was very foolish of us to take her, but it would have 
been a hard thing to deny the request of a dying 
mother. I feel that I did my very best to do my duty 
by her. 

We decided that Alex must now be educated. Our 
greatest desire was to make a professional man of 
him. We sent him to the Business College in Lexing- 
ton, Ky., in company with Mr. Richmond's son, Billie, 
who had decided to be a physician. Mrs. Richmond 
and I packed their trunks and when everything was in 
readiness we put them on a steamboat and sent them 
on their journey to College. Of course our home was 



HER LIFE AND WORK 63 

lonely without him. Little Josie was the healing balm ; 
no supper was eaten that night and nothing but 
a good cry relieved my intense loneliness. In about 
a week they both got homesick and came home. They 
had walked almost all the way from Richardson. We 
were provoked and discouraged with him and also 
amused. I said to my husband that if a boy loved his 
home that well we had better put him in the store and 
make a clerk out of him, for I did not believe he would 
ever like school; he would not go to school at home 
only when we made him. Clerking was the only thing 
he seem to want to do. He has told me often 
since that he regretted and could understand now that 
he had lost his opportunity. Mr. Richmond started 
Billie back to some other school and kept him there 
until he fitted himself for his profession; he made a 
fine physician and Alex made a good clerk, remaining 
with the firm long after Mr. Harmison had passed 
from earth. He is a good man and trustworthy and 
is honored by all who know him. It was always a 
source of regret that he did not apply himself to his 
studies and take up a profession; we were so fond of 
him. He married a Miss Auxier in 1894, a splendid 
little woman of whom I was very proud; they have 
been to me a lovely son and daughter and live in our 
home town, Prestonsburg. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

August 3rd following, the year after Alex's College 
experience, my husband received a letter from his 
brother, F. J. Harmison, asking him to come to 
Huntington and he would meet him ; he had a business 
transaction in view in which they would be able to 
make some money. I tried to persuade him not to 
go, but when once he made up his mind I well knew 
that I had as well try to remove an avalanche or stop 
a tornado as to change him, so there was nothing else 
for me to do but make up my mind to the inevitable 
and proceed to assist him in getting ready for the 
journey. 

Hastily, I prepared his dinner and packed his grip. 
When ready to start he said he could drive through to 
Richardson that night; would go in the two- wheel 
cart, consequently making good time. Before get- 
ting into the cart he observed little Josie and Ernest 
Archer, my neighbor's little boy, standing by; he 
stooped and kissed them both and said, "Be good 
children while I'm gone and I'll bring you both some- 
thing." I shall never forget how handsome he looked; 
I can close my eyes, even at the present moment, and 
see him so plainly that I feel as though I could almost 
touch him with my hand, the impression was so vividly 
impressed in my mind's eye. 

64 



HER LIFE AND WORK 65 

The Spring before he had an attack of "grip" which 
left him with a cough, although there was no visible 
sign of anything of a serious nature. After he had 
been away a few days I received a letter saying he had 
gone for a short time up to Blue Sulphur Springs; 
these Springs are eight miles from Huntington on the 
B. & O. railroad. August 13th I spent the day in extra 
cleaning, getting the house in nice order and cooking 
preparatory for the Sabbath; I was in a happy mood 
that day ; everything I did was a success. I was feeling 
well and after everything was in perfect order, even 
the Saturday evening's bathing was gone through with ; 
it then being too early to prepare our evening's lunch 
I sat down to practice a while on the piano. I heard 
the tread of many footsteps on the pavement ; I turned 
and saw a number of persons coming into my house 
and, before I could apprehend the meaning, a telegram 
was handed me notifying me that Mr. Harmison had 
died at 6 o'clock that morning, with congestion of the 
lungs, at Blue Sulphur Springs. The shock was so 
great that I could not realize what had happened for 
some moments ; I felt as if petrified. When I returned 
to consciousness enough to comprehend the situation 
the house was filled with the friends who had come to 
render assistance and sympathy. It seemed that I was 
powerless to think ; I asked what I should do and they 
said, "Get ready to go." I said to my lady friends 
and relatives that they knew what I needed, to get for 
me what was necessary for me to have, that they 
knew better than I. I happened to have a very nice 



66 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

black dress which was all I had that was suitable 
for the occasion; my friends who possessed such, 
brought them to me. In a short period of time they 
had me in readiness for the journey that was long and 
tiresome. A friend suggested that Mr. Richmond 
should accompany me, as it was his place to go, from 
which he said he would gladly go; he was so shocked, 
too, that he had not thought of it. He was as void 
of thinking as myself. 

We soon were ready, the driver with the carriage 
at the door. My sister, now Mrs. Ford, who usually 
kept little Josie for me when not convenient for me to 
take her, kindly again took her, while Alex would 
board with Mrs. Richmond. 

Mr. Richmond had finished his lunch that Mrs. 
Richmond had prepared prior to starting and insisted 
that I should eat, but not a morsel could I eat. As the 
evening sun was shedding its last rays over the moun- 
tain top we drove out of our town. 

Harmison and Richmond at that time were running 
in connection with their other business a livery stable 
both at home and Paintsville, twelve miles from our 
town. Finding it necessary to stop at Paintsville and 
change the horses for fresh ones, as the trip was too 
tiresome for one pair of horses, we drove up to my 
brother's home and I rested there until the change was 
made. The night was dark, only the stars to give us 
light. At three o'clock in the morning we arrived at 
the end of the journey and went over the river to a 
little hotel for the rest of the night and wait for the 



HER LIFE AND WORK 67 

dawn of day. They assigned me a small room so 
cheerless and lonely. I threw myself across the bed 
and tried to rest my tired body for an hour or two; 
no sleep came to rest my tired brain; all seemed like 
I was in a dream. I could not comprehend the reality 
of the surrounding; none that has never had a similar 
experience can know the feeling that I was then 
enduring. The 6 o'clock train pulled out for Ashland. 
We stopped off at Catlettsburg ; being apprised that 
my cousins, Captain and Mrs. Hopkins, were on 
an extended tour in California, I went to the home 
of Cousin Tom and Mary Brown. It was their 
wedding that I had attended years before at Louisa, 
I have heretofore mentioned in the beginning of 
my story. I asked her to give me a cup of coffee, as 
I had not eaten a morsel since noon the day before; 
not that I felt the least hungry but to keep my strength 
up so as to be able to withstand the ordeal that awaited 
me. She brought to me a waiter with a tempting 
breakfast; I ate what I could. In a few moments a 
number of my relatives and friends came in to be 
what comfort they could. Cousin James Trimble, 
Mrs. McClintock, Mr. and Mrs. Nickols and Cousin 
Tom Brown all accompanied me up to Huntington. 
We all went to the Florentine Hotel ; the remains had 
not yet been brought down from the Springs, not until 
the train came down from Parkersburg, arriving that 
afternoon, on which the three brothers accompanied 
by Mr. Lowe. Dr. Late being absent from his home 
when Mrs. Late received the message of his death 



68 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

she insisted that Mr. Lowe should come in her place, 
it not being possible for her to leave home at the time 
and Doctor away. Mr. Lowe had been a long time 
friend of the family. This was the first time I had ever 
met him. Later on I shall have occasion to speak of 
him again. My intention when I left home and also 
a promise to his friends to bring his remains back 
to his home for interment. The brothers insisted, as 
also the friends, that it would be almost impossible to 
haul the heavy metallic casket over the rough, rocky 
road from Richardson home, that a hack was not 
strong enough, that a road wagon would be the only 
vehicle that was strong enough and then he could not 
be seen, on account of dying in health and the weather 
so warm. After considering the situation I thought 
it best to take him on to Bridgeport. It was four 
o'clock before the undertakers had the remains ready 
for us to see. He was such a pretty corpse; the 
expression on his face was so calm and peaceful, 
such a sweet smile. We were then driven back to the 
hotel ; night closed in on the second day of my widow- 
hood; my Catlettsburg friends remained with me as 
long as they could until the next train that was to take 
them back to their homes. I bade them good-by, then 
went to the chamber assigned me, though no hope of 
sleep. A servant brought up a waiter of provisions 
and said I must eat before starting in the morning, 
as the train would leave at 3 o'clock. No sleep to rest 
my tired brain that night; I held up in a most re- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 69 

markable way, considering the state that my nerves 
were in. 

At Parkersburg we had about three hours' wait. We 
went to the Merchants' Hotel; again my dinner was 
sent to the room. Arriving at Bridgeport at the usual 
hour, a carriage was in waiting at the station and I 
was then driven to Dr. Late's home. 

Tuesday morning, the casket opened, I viewed for 
the last time his remains ; scarcely could I realize what 
was taking place ; my physical body seemed dazed in a 
degree; gazing at all that was left of him that was 
mortal, a calm feeling went over me ; my aching heart 
I consoled by a future hope and I said, "Farewell 
until we meet again, under a cloudless sky and eternal 
sunshine." 

A consoling line of a hymn comes here to my mind, 
"When peace like a river attendeth my way, When 
sorrows like a sea-billow roll, Whatever my lot, Thou 
hast taught me to say, Tt is well, it is well.' " Thy 
will be done. That afternoon the funeral took place 
at the home; the hearse and retinue of carriages 
brought from Clarksburg to convey us to his last 
resting place; after the burial services were over and 
the casket lowered in the grave the family were all led 
away, placed in the carriages and driven home, so that 
we could not hear the solemn sound of the dirt falling 
in; then, all was over. 

When I looked in his grip I found a doll and horn ; 
it occurred to me that promise he made to little Josie 



70 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

and Ernest Archer; he had not forgotten; of course 
the children got them when I got home. 

In a few days sister Ella and I drove down to 
Clarksburg ; I had to make some purchases, things that 
were needful for my wearing apparel at this time. We 
first drove to the milliner's store and bought the things 
necessary and to other stores. All my natural life the 
departing days of the month of August, in an unac- 
countable way that I have never been able to quite 
understand, a melancholy feeling casting a shadow 
over me that nothing but tears can relieve. At this 
time the shadow was darker than ever. Sister Ella one 
day said to me, "Go up stairs in the back hall and look 
in the bookcase and you will find a shelf filled with a 
lot of old daguerreotypes; you will find a picture of 
Bub when he was a little boy, you can have it." My 
attention was soon very much attracted as I opened 
one after another. Of all the old time, quaint styles 
too funny for anything. Hers when she was a little 
girl when they wore paddies that came down to her 
ankles, her hair bobbed and combed down tight to her 
head as though plastered, pictures of all the members 
of the family and her schoolmates when at Morgan- 
town College in all the styles of the '6o's. Large hoop- 
skirts with the laced up, wasp like waists ; bonnets and 
hats of those days that were worn. They all were so 
ridiculous that I could not keep from laughing. I 
found the one that I was looking for but as I was 
interested I finished looking at them all; they were 
ludicrous beyond any styles I had ever seen. I then 



HER LIFE AND WORK 71 

understood why she had suggested it. It had the de- 
sired effect for the time being. I knew she felt if 
anything would get me out of that gloomy mood that 
those ludicrous pictures would. I have wondered what 
was done with those old daguerreotypes after the home 
was broken up. No one would care for them only for 
the ridiculousness of them and the age. 

Nora Harmison, brother Billie's only daughter, 
drove over from the farm for me to go home with 
her for a few days' visit and help her to get ready, 
for she had decided to go home with me for a long 
visit. The road winding around the hillside until it 
almost reached the top of the small hill, we stopped 
the horse for a while to view the valley below; it was 
a beautiful scene. Their farm lay in this valley. I 
have heretofore described its green pastures and white 
fences and buildings. 

We fixed our plans and set the day for our de- 
parture. She then drove me back to sister Ella's. The 
day for our departure drew near ; she was ready at the 
appointed time. I bade them all good-by; that was 
the last time I ever saw Dr. and Ella Late. (They 
both have since gone to their other home.) She was 
always so considerate and looking after the interest 
of others. The day prior to our starting she wrote to 
Mr. Ed. Hill at Parkersburg, who had the store there 
in his charge, to meet us at the B. & O. station and see 
that we were safely on the Ohio river train going 
west. He was there and looked after our baggage and 
went with us to the other station. 



72 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

While we were waiting for the train, conversing 
about different things, the conversation drifted to the 
boys in the different stores and the changes that had 
taken place in the twelve years of my being in the 
family. He spoke of the death of Will Dunn, who 
had been with us in the Pikeville store, Jake Schmucker, 
who was in the Prestonsburg store before Harmison 
and Richmond had bought it ; he too had passed away. 
Rome and Charlie Carpenter and others. Now Bub 
had been laid away. He also spoke of the failing 
health of brother F. J. Harmison, knowing it would 
be only a question of a short time when he would 
be gone. Poor Mr. Hill's ending was the saddest of 
all. Fearing I might forget to mention it I will right 
here say that I had been home only a few weeks, was 
looking over a newspaper, a dispatch from Parkers- 
burg drew my attention, saying that Ed. Hill had 
committed suicide by shooting himself. A sigh es- 
caped me, a tear dropped from my eyes, for the un- 
timely fate of this unfortunate man. He had been 
so courteous, so kind and obliging to me, I liked him. 

After the train pulled out of Parkersburg I leaned 
my head against the back of the seat and soon fell 
asleep; a sound refreshing sleep that I had not had 
for almost four weeks. When I awoke Nora said 
that I had slept for two hours. Either the thought 
of being homeward bound or else tired nature had 
given away. I was refreshed; my nerves were re- 
laxing. We again had to change cars at Huntington; 
everything had been attended to at Parkersburg, so 



HER LIFE AND WORK 73 

we had nothing to do but walk from one train to the 
other, that was on the track waiting. Upon arriving 
at Catlettsburg I found my cousin had returned. We 
stayed until Monday with her. I was anxious for 
Nora to get acquainted with her daughters and have a 
pleasant time with them. She had a nice little visit. 
I had written home for them to have a conveyance 
at Richardson for us and that Nora would be with 
me. The carriage was there waiting; we drove in 
home that night. My sister had the house all bright- 
ened up and a nice supper prepared for us. 

An obituary of Mr. Harmison was published in the 
Kentucky Democrat. I cut it out and still have it in 
my scrap book. I herewith copy it : 

"Mr. P. D. Harmison, a prominent merchant and 
the Sr. member of the firm of Harmison & Richmond 
of Prestonsburg, Kentucky, died suddenly at Blue 
Sulphur Springs, W. Va., last Saturday morning of 
congestion of the lungs. Mr. Harmison went to the 
Springs for a short visit and recreation and his death 
was so unexpected that his friends here could scarcely 
realize that the report was true. His family was ad- 
vised of the sad occurrence by wire, and his sorrow 
stricken wife and business partner arrived here Sun- 
day morning and proceeded to Huntington, W. Va., to 
which point the remains had been sent. The desire 
of Mrs. Harmison was that the remains be taken to 
Prestonsburg for interment but the brothers of the 
deceased who had been advised of his death, arrived 
and decided that he should be interred in the family 



74 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

cemetery at their old home in West Virginia, whither 
they were conveyed. The deceased was about 40 years 
old and was married in 1880 to Miss Josie Martin, a 
most estimable lady of Prestonsburg, Ky., where he has 
since been engaged in a lucrative business. Mr. 
Harmison came to Huntington, W. Va., a few days 
ago to meet his brother Frank, and it is reported that 
they would soon open in that city a large store." 



CHAPTER IX. 

As the days went by the full realization came to me 
with increasing force that upon me rested business 
affairs of which I was so inefficient. I had always had 
someone to look to before. The thought came to me 
that I had to live and must depend largely upon myself 
for my own future welfare. I was yet young — only 
thirty-five. I found that well employed brain and 
hands was the best healing balm for a weary heart. 
Thus I realized that the returning interest had a 
tendency to turn the tide of my thoughts. Nora must 
have a nice time while with me ; I must spare no means 
to make it pleasant for her. The young people assisted 
me; all came to see her. She was a very attractive 
and popular girl admired by all. 

Horseback riding was one of her favorite pastimes ; 
I at that time possessed a nice horse, also a saddle. She 
spent much time on horseback; she was a beautiful 
rider, living on a farm where they had all kinds of 
horses. Such a perfect rider, a "J omi Gilpin," I called 
her. Mary Callihan (now Mrs. Martin) was her chum 
while she was in Prestonsburg. She, with her whole 
soul engaged in the same sport; many pleasant hours 
they spent together. Nora being a very considerate 
girl about everything she did, or place she went, 

75 



76 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

always, asked me if it was prudent for her to go. She 
would take my advice. In every way I considered her 
an ideal girl. My brother who lived in Paintsville 
wrote me to bring her down for a visit to his family ; 
we fixed our plans and accepted the invitation. We 
went down on a beautiful day in October; there had 
been just enough frost to color the leaves; the hills 
were so pretty, it was a gorgeous sight. The bright 
colors of every hue all blended together. She was a 
fine driver. Taking it upon a whole we had a most 
delightful drive down. We spent several days with 
them. She made many friends there. Her home, 
in Bridgeport, W. Va., has lots of coal in the moun- 
tains around but no cannel coal; above the road we 
were traveling was a cannel coal bank that was in 
operation; quite a large supply had been dug and was 
lying in a heap, prior to being hauled away. She had 
never seen any, so we stopped our horse and I went 
up to the place, picked up a lump as large as I could 
carry and put it into the buggy so as to have her see 
how pretty it burned. A little girl coming up the hill 
looked her astonishment at me as though she thought 
I was taking that which did not belong to me. I said 
in a low tone, "Don't tell anyone you saw me stealing 
a lump of coal," from which she answered, "I won't." 
I knew Mr. Harkins had an interest in the mine, so I 
felt free to take it. Nora took a piece of it to her home 
to exhibit it to her friends. 

She remained with me until the latter part of No- 
vember. One day she said to me that her visit would 



HER LIFE AND WORK 77 

come to an end on a certain day. I felt that I could not 
let her go if I could possibly keep her ; I begged her, I 
implored her to remain with me during the coming 
winter, but she said the longer she remained the harder 
would be the separation. The separation was ex- 
tremely painful to me but there was no alternative; 
she was determined to go. Selfishness is such a sin; 
all of the human race has more or less of it. I must 
acknowledge I possess my part. I was selfish enough 
to want to keep her from her parents, if I could, to 
satisfy my own pleasure. This question of selfishness 
brings to my mind an article I read years ago, and as it 
is interesting I will here relate it. 

President Lincoln, in company with a friend, was 
one day traveling in a stage coach; an argument came 
up over this question of selfishness. He contended 
that no one ever did a good or an evil deed only from 
a selfish motive. Passing a pond he saw some pigs 
about to drown; he asked the driver to stop for a few 
moments, and got out and lifted the little pigs out, then 
resumed his seat. His friend said, "Now, Abe, you 
have just been arguing with me that no one ever did 
a good or bad deed only for selfish motives. Now tell 
me where the selfishness comes from when you took 
those pigs out of that pond." "Yes, sir," he said, "it 
was selfishness. If I had left those pigs to drown my 
conscience would have hurt me so much and it was to 
relieve me of that feeling." However, I had not 
thought of it in that way. 

I did not lack for lively company after Nora left me. 



78 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

My Niece, Puss Ford (now Mrs. O. P. Powers), of 
Ashland, Ky., stayed at night with me and often 
two or three of her girl friends. The winter went 
by with nothing that I can recall of any interest to 
speak of. Spring came with its accustomed spring 
work — housecleaning, gardening, sewing, and making 
up the outfit for little Josie, dresses, and the many 
other things too numerous to think of. 

In June following Mr. Harmison's death, I received 
a letter from sister Ella Late saying that brother F. J. 
Harmison was seriously ill; the physicians gave no 
hope for his recovery and that she was starting to 
Baltimore to be with him in his last illness. I must 
here state that all three of these older brothers had 
been in the four years of the Civil War, in the Con- 
federate army, each coming out unharmed as far as 
their physical form was concerned. The four years 
was just that period in their lives when they should 
have been in school, consequently they had lost an 
education, lost their property and a lost cause, that 
they had fought four years for. He passed away in a 
short time; it was a sad death for me. In the twelve 
years that I had known him I had learned to love him 
like a brother. He had been so good and kind to me 
and also generous, not only to me but to the many poor 
boys he had helped to get started in life in a business 
of their own. I had lost a good friend and felt the 
loss keenly. 

My love for traveling has always been my greatest 
hobby; I had been home for quite a while when Mrs. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 79 

Archer, my neighbor, said to me that she would have 
to accompany her sister to Cincinnati, it being neces- 
sary for her sister to undergo an operation ; her sister 
was then Miss Elizabeth Johns (now Mrs. Robinson). 
I agreed to go to. Fortunately there was at that time a 
little rise in the river, enough water to enable a small 
steamer to make a trip. We embarked for Catletts- 
burg. I don't recall to my mind just at the present 
how we finished the trip, on train or Ohio river boat. 
We stopped at the Dennison Hotel. Next day we, in 
company with Mrs. Archer's father and sister, went to 
the hospital ; the physician said the operation would take 
place at one o'clock the next day. It being necessary 
for Miss Johns to remain at the hospital Mrs. Archer 
and I went back to the hotel feeling that we could not 
enjoy any of the time until the crucial hour had passed, 
as we were uneasy. The next day we were at the 
hospital at the appointed hour so as to be there while 
the operation was undergoing, it being a success, was 
such a great relief to us. When we found she was 
getting so much better and that her recovery was 
pronounced sure we were free to go when and where 
we pleased and have a good time sightseeing, shopping, 
— Mr. Johns, was permitted to spend a limited time 
with her each morning, and Mrs. Archer and I in the 
afternoon. We spent several days in the city until her 
condition was such that we were assured she would 
soon be ready to return to her home and she being 
perfectly willing for us to leave her. 

In that time I had learned all about Cincinnati. We 



80 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

left for Catlettsburg where I made a visit of quite a 
long time with my Cousin Mrs. Hopkins and Cousin 
James Trimble, also other friends and relatives. I 
had a very nice visit with them. I invited Alex Brown, 
the son of Cousin Tom and Mary, to go home 
with me for a visit; he had never been there and I 
thought it would be nice to have him visit Alex 
Spradlin, my boy. He was about fourteen or fifteen 
years old at that time. When we were ready for the 
journey home, fortunately for us we had an oppor- 
tunity of a steamer up Sandy, the "Jerry Osborn No. 
2," Captain Hopkins' boat, was all loaded and ready 
for the run. We had lots of fun on this trip. There 
not being much water in the river the shoals were very 
shallow ; they had to warp through them. Consequently 
it called man-power into action to assist the machinery 
in its operation. This assistance was a very laborious 
one ; many have been the times I have gone on the top 
of the boats and watched with much interest and also 
sympathy for the deck hands, two and three hours. 
There is a shoal just above Paintsville that is so diffi- 
cult to get through in low tide that it was named 
"HelFs Gate." Man-power was brought into action 
in this way; a cable being tied to a big strong tree on 
the bank of the river, the other end made fast to a 
capstan on the bow of the boat. In warping through 
these shoals a strong bar was passed through the 
capstan, a man at each end of the bar, also men at 
either side of the boat with long poles pushing with 
man's strength. With this assistance to the power of 



^ 




P. D. Harmison 



HER LIFE AND WORK 81 

the machinery, when the steamer moved forward the 
cable would wind around the capstan. Sometimes it 
would take two and three days to make the trip of only 
75 miles. Of course, this was an interesting trip for 
a boy. We arrived home in the night. 

As I had brought my young cousin home with me 
I expected him to spend the most of his time with us, 
but he had so many cousins, both girls and boys, 
about his age, they kept him going from house to 
house, consequently only two or three days were spent 
with us during the two weeks ; his parents had limited 
him. 

Time wore on with nothing of interest worth men- 
tioning. 

The next August Nora wrote me she was to be 
married to a Mr. Martin. I thought how strange. I 
had her maiden name, now she was going to take mine. 
I did not get to go to her wedding. Her husband only 
lived five or six years; he died with typhoid fever, 
leaving her with a little girl a year or two old, named 
Lucile; Nora is still a widow. She and Lucile visited 
us years after my marriage to my present husband. 
She is one of my dearest nieces and I hear from her 
regular ; she still lives in Bridgeport, W. Va. 



CHAPTER X. 

The great Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893 
was now going on ; I had made my plans to go some- 
time before it closed. A. J. Davidson, my present 
husband, suggested to me that we should marry and 
let that be our wedding trip. We consulted the matter 
over and over and finally arranged the matter satis- 
factorily and set the 20th of September for our mar- 
riage, to take place in the early morning between the 
hours of seven and eight, so as to give us ample time 
to make the journey to Richardson, which was still the 
terminus of the railroad. A few days before the 20th 
I gave out my invitations, asking every person in the 
town that wished to see us married to be at my home 
by half past seven in the morning of the 20th 

In undertaking to write this bit of my life history 
it is here necessary to mention various individuals who 
are going to be connecting links. Mr. Frank Hop- 
kins and family, Mrs. Dr. Stewart, Miss Elizabeth 
Johns and Mr. and Mrs. I. Richmond were to accom- 
pany us on this special occasion. The day before our 
wedding we ladies each cooked and prepared an elegant 
lunch for the morrow. That night my niece and two 
of my husband's nieces spent the night with me. The 
morning of the 20th dawning beautiful and bright. 

82 



HER LIFE AND WORK 83 

The girls said they would cook the breakfast and 
straighten up everything for me to make my toilet. 

I never had so many beautiful white flowers in 
bloom as there were that morning; tube roses, lilies 
and white roses, all seemed to bloom for my special 
benefit. A large bouquet of them was gathered for 
me to carry ; the house, porch and yard were filled with 
guests that were present at the appointed time. On 
account of not being able to get all into the house, 
we were married on the front porch. The Rev. I. F. J. 
McKinster, the pastor of our church, performed the 
marriage ceremony. After congratulations had been 
extended we drove off amid a shower of old shoes and 
rice. 

At twelve o'clock we reached the mouth of Muddy 
Branch, a mile below Paintsville. We spread our 
dinner and what a sumptuous repast we all had. Oh ! 
those days of abundance and plenty to spare. I often 
wish at this present time that they would return. After 
luncheon was served we took up the fragments and 
had an ample supply for our supper, which we partook 
of before reaching Richardson on a beautiful grassy 
spot, picnic style, and enough left for each man that 
was driving all those hacks, the next day for dinner 
on their return trip. 

We arrived at Catlettsburg for dinner at the Alger 
House. In the afternoon we went on to Cincinnati, 
stopping at the Palace Hotel; an old gentleman, a 
friend of my husband, and a business man of the place 
called to see us, bringing a box of choice fruit to me. 



84 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

The other ladies seemed to feel somewhat slighted. 
The evening of the third day we reached Chicago, 
stopping at the Hotel Thomas. To us the great 
and beautiful fair ground was wonderful indeed, as 
we went from one building to another, thinking 
every one the most interesting, until we entered 
the transportation building. I have kept those 
interesting and different modes of traveling in my 
mind and am confronted today by the striking 
contrast of the past and the present. There were the 
imitation of donkeys, camels, oxen, chairs with their 
motive power of human legs; conveyances, some with 
wheels cut out of solid wood; sleds with runners 
equally clumsy; woven bags for carrying goods on 
animal back. Then, turning to the more modern, up- 
to-date, mode of conveyance, carriages of beautiful 
designs, engines of every description of that day. The 
very first ones that were used, small in their design and 
some that were immense; the steady improvements of 
the years as they came. There was a life boat that 
Christopher Columbus had brought to America on 
one of his small vessels when he made the voyage over 
here; it sure did look ancient. I placed my foot in it 
and said, "I have touched it anyway." I will not at- 
tempt to enumerate the different things and their im- 
provements ; it would take too much time and space. I 
don't think there was anything like an automobile; 
that has been a later invention. I really was more 
interested in the transportation building than any of 
the others. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 85 

There were buildings that contained more beautiful 
exhibits. We saw them spinning glass and making 
wearing materials, such as ties, umbrellas, a dress for 
the Queen of Spain, valued at $2,500. I have won- 
dered why that mode of manufacture was not con- 
tinued ; I have neither seen nor heard of any since. We 
took in some of the state buildings; not all for 
lack of time. The Virginia Building, a duplicate 
of Mt. Vernon, was of much interest on account of the 
furniture and household effects of Washington's home 
which were borrowed and placed just as it is at Mt. 
Vernon today; in passing through his room, the bed 
as he had occupied it, I placed my hand on it. 

One morning as we were entering the fair ground 
I saw a small boy selling some pamphlets ; I heard him 
call out, "A history of a woman in Prestonsburg, 
Kentucky, who slept for four years without waking." 
A lady remarked that it could not be possible and that 
there was no truth in it. I could not refrain from 
answering her that it was true sure enough for I had 
seen her often myself and raised her nephew; that it 
was in my home town. She never spoke a word in 
the four years. By that time the boy had passed out 
of sight or I would have bought a copy. We were in 
Chicago two weeks and could we have spent two 
months we could not have seen but a small bit as I 
presume it would have taken many months to view 
everything that was exhibited. The weather by this 
time was growing cold and we decided it was best to 
return to our home, my husband to his business as 



86 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

cashier of the Bank Josephine and I to my same old 
routine, housework. 

The personal appearance of Mr. Harmison and Mr. 
Davidson were so different; Davidson tall, slender, 
dark with black hair ; Harmison fair, light hair, stout, 
usual weight 186 pounds. He was a stranger to me, 
only knowing him for a few months; Mr. Davidson 
I had known all my life. My first marriage took place 
in the Spring and at night, taking our wedding trip 
East; my second marriage in the Fall early in the 
morning, going West on our wedding trip, completely 
to the opposite. Mr. Davidson being a nephew of my 
aunt who raised me, consequently I knew him well. I 
have neve^ had any regret as to my marriage; he has 
always been considerate of my interest, a true and 
loving husband. 

That first Winter went by without anything of much 
interest to mention. I will here state that my Cousin 
Alex L. Martin, that I spoke of in the beginning of my 
history, had in the meantime died, he and his wife, 
quite young, leaving two small children, Elizabeth, 
the oldest (now Mrs. Gus Hampton), of Catlettsburg, 
and George B. Martin, a prominent lawyer of the same 
place, Ex-United States Senator. 

That Winter Elizabeth and Elizabeth Hopkins, 
both then young girls, made us a visit, spending the 
month of February. Spring opened up. I can re- 
member of nothing taking place that is worth men- 
tioning. The girls' visit being over, they returned to 
their homes after a pleasant stay with us and the many 
other relatives of theirs. 




A. J. Davidson 



CHAPTER XI. 

The Summer following, time drawing near for a 
little vacation, we decided to spend the time in the 
East visiting Old Point Comfort and other places of 
interest, Mr. and Mrs. Richmond to accompany us. 
A most delightful journey we had, spending a short 
time at the old Fort seeing the historical places. It 
was time well spent and much food for thought. 

At five o'clock on August 12th, 1894, we all went 
on board a steamship for Baltimore; just fourteen 
years ago on the 12th of August I had my first voyage 
on the Chesapeake Bay. This, I thought, was one of 
the many coincidences in my life. The bay was calm 
and placid, the full moon rose in all her splendor and 
glory; her brilliancy upon that vast body of water 
made a glorious picture. I stood on deck so charmed 
with the picturesque scene; I did not want to lose a 
moment of the grand scene before me. There being 
only sky and water in view gave the moon to all ap- 
pearance quite near the water; it seemed only a very 
few feet away. That scene I have often pictured in 
my memory as one of the most sublime I have ever 
witnessed in ail my life's history; I would never grow 
tired gazing upon such grand sights. I have always 
had a fascination for hills, valleys, mountains and 

87 



88 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

plains but nothing appeals to me as a vast body of 
water. It seems to bring to my mind more vividly the 
majestic handiwork of our Great Creator as nothing 
else can. 

The morning came all too soon. The steamer landed 
at the Baltimore dock about eight o'clock in the morn- 
ing ; we stopped at the Eutaw House. In the afternoon 
we went for a street car ride out to Druid Hill Park, 
a beautiful park filled with grand old trees, flower beds 
and grass. The driveway on either side has rows 
of tall vases filled with trailing vines and brilliant 
flowers which present a very pleasing sight to the eye 
of the visitor. I could not bring all the beautiful 
things to my mind at the present; I am writing just 
the things that present themselves to my memory at 
this time. I had been in the park before, but it was 
the first time for my companions. 

Returning to the hotel, supper being over, the next 
on our program was a call to see my sister-in-law, 
F. J. Harmison's widow. I had not seen her since 
his death. Had a delightful call with them for an 
hour. Mr. Wheeler was calling, whom she afterwards 
married. He was cashier of one of Baltimore's banks ; 
it seemed to me a little strange that she and I both 
married cashiers. That was the last time I ever saw 
her and I haven't heard from her for years. 

Our stay in Baltimore being over we went from 
there to Washington, D. C, where we spent a number 
of days sightseeing. We were at the Howard House. 
Visiting all the different Government buildings, 



HER LIFE AND WORK 8q 

Botanical Garden, National Museum, up in the Wash- 
ington Monument, thence the White House, through 
some of the rooms but not all of them. The Blue 
Room in which President and Mrs. Cleveland were 
married. 

The large California trees that were on exhibition 
at Chicago in 1893 were placed in the Botanical Gar- 
den; those trees were so large that a team of horses 
and wagon could be driven through the openings. 

One day we took a steamboat and went down to 
Mt. Vernon. When the steamer landed we first went 
to the tomb of our first President; the last one 
of their old family servants acted as guide and ex- 
plained to us the things of interest about the tomb and 
told us why the iron door was kept locked. It was 
because so many of the visitors were anxious to carry 
off something as a souvenir. They would break off a 
piece of the stone, one of the Eagle's claws or just 
anything they could. They thought it best to lock 
the door and throw the key in the Potomac River. To 
and fro through the house, coming to the famous room 
that the President had himself occupied, overlooking 
the Potomac River. The furnishing was just as it 
was arranged at the fair at Chicago in 1893. The 
grounds were kept as nearly like he had kept them as 
it were possible. Thus seeing these things of interest 
brings forcibly to me the need of a better education 
and a strong desire to have the ability to describe those 
places by pen and thought but my inefficient talent 
forbids to an extent. I find I must be content to do 



90 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

my best with what has been given to me. I have 
always tried not to hide the wee talent and add to it 
with "usury." The visit to Mt. Vernon was one of 
the most delightful days we had while at our U. S. 
Capital. There was so much to be seen that I cannot 
take the time to mention. 

Our time at Washington at an end we left for home, 
after a most pleasant as well as educational visit. 
Home again the latter part of August. 

In October a young lady friend from Pikeville 
visited us, Miss Cannie Ford. She was visiting us 
when Alex Spradlin, our boy, of whom I have here- 
tofore spoken, was married, the 31st of October. His 
wife lived five or six miles in the country, so it neces- 
sitated us to go horseback to the wedding. Miss Ford 
said she and little Josie could stay at home, as we 
were coming back that night, though late it might be. 
The marriage ceremony took place at four o'clock 
P.M., so as to give time to serve supper to the invited 
guests, and enable them to return to their homes. It 
was a very pretty wedding and a sumptuous wedding 
supper; after all was over we returned to our home. 
The next day was to be the reception at our home for 
them. I had a few special friends invited and a 
dinner prepared; we gave them a cordial welcome. 
They remained with us until January, when they went 
to housekeeping. 

In the meantime little Josie was growing some and 
her health was better; she had always been a very 
delicate child. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 91 

The Winter, Spring and Summer went by like a 
flash, and then came the Fall of 1895. In the mean- 
time the Atlanta Exposition was going on ; we planned 
to take that in the latter part of the Fall. We had not 
had an extended trip since our trip East, the year prior. 

Mr. and Mrs. H. H. Fitzpatrick and their little 
daughter Osie accompanied us. Quite a bit of im- 
provement was made on many things since the Chicago 
Exposition. The weather was very mild though it was 
late in the Fall, but being further south it was much 
warmer. The exhibits were many and good; the 
negroes had quite a large exhibit building. The fancy- 
work made by the women was fine and very pretty ; it 
was surprising to see what they could do and they 
were extremely proud of their work. 

While it is uppermost in my mind I will mention 
our going through the Kentucky State building and 
seeing a very handsome painting which had taken the 
prize ; I learned later that a lady who lived in Coving- 
ton, Kentucky, had painted it. I shall have occasion 
to refer to the picture again before I finish this bit of 
my history. 

These fairs we attend we are compelled to spend 
only a few days or weeks at most, so we must make 
the best of it while there. We go and go and look and 
try to see as much as we can in as short time as pos- 
sible and tire out to an extent too. One day we went 
to Grant Park, a street car ride through Peach Tree 
Street, the residential and most attractive part of the 
city. We went on Sunday to the Methodist church 



92 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

to hear Bishop Keener preach. A few more days and 
we were on our journey home, leaving Atlanta on a 
bright sunshiny afternoon mild and pleasant, arriving 
in Cincinnati in a snowstorm, cold and freezing. 

Home again. Winter approaching — nothing of any 
importance occurring that I can recall. The latter part 
of May the following Spring I took little Josie for her 
first trip to Cincinnati, she now being large enough to 
see and take an interest in the wonderful sights of a 
city. Some friends in Catlettsburg suggested to me 
if we were not in a hurry that it would be a pleasant 
trip to take the evening packet. The "URANA" was 
due that day and it was a new boat and very pretty. 
The Ohio River was at a fine steamboat stage; we 
went on board at five o'clock P.M., schedule time. I 
registered, got the stateroom key, stored the baggage, 
then sat down in the cabin to await the moving out 
of the boat. Josie was charmed with the beauty of 
the interior and fixtures of the boat; it was the first 
time she had ever been on one so large. After the 
packet started out the captain came back to the 
cabin and said, "How glad I am to see you; I could 
scarcely wait until the boat started to come back and 
speak to you. When you came aboard I said, Tf there 
isn't Alice Crawford from South Point, who married 
a Davidson and I have not seen her for years.' I saw 
where you registered." I, as a matter of course, saw 
he was mistaken and said, "I think you are mistaken ; 
I never was Alice Crawford, and never lived at South 
Point, Ohio, although my name is now Davidson. I 



HER LIFE AND WORK 93 

live at Prestonsburg, Ky. My name before my mar- 
riage was Josie Martin." He looked his astonishment 
and said, "If you are not Alice Crawford you look 
enough like her to be her twin sister." He told me 
his name was James Martin and that he had been up 
at Prestonsburg during the Civil War. He asked me 
many questions about different ones living at my home, 
more especially my Uncle John P. Martin and his 
family; we then traced up a kinship which I have no 
doubt is the case. That little circumstance brought 
about a double amount of pleasure on that trip down 
the Ohio River. 

A few years later I was coming down from Hunt- 
ington on a street car; at a little station a lady got on 
and took a seat beside me, saying, "How are you, Mrs. 
Davidson?" I again realized the fact that she was 
mistaken, she being a perfect stranger to me. Re- 
membering Captain Martin's mistake I said, "I think 
you are mistaken in the Mrs. Davidson; I am a Mrs. 
Davidson but not the one you know. I have been 
taken for her before." She too looked her surprise 
and said, "If you are not her you look enough like her 
to be her twin sister." Another coincidence. I have 
never yet had the pleasure of meeting up with my twin 
sister, Mrs. Alice Crawford Davidson. Strange, too, 
that she and I have both married Davidsons. I would 
dearly love to meet with the lady who looks so like 
me and have a good long chat with her and really get 
acquainted personally and learn if she ever had a simi- 
lar experience. I will always have a hope of seeing her. 



94 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

Several days after Josie and I returned home from 
Cincinnati, a young lady who was visiting friends in 
our town, on seeing Josie, recognized her by her pretty 
golden curls, telling her that she remembered seeing 
her in a museum in the city, and could not be mistaken 
in those beautiful curls but not knowing who the pos- 
sessor was until seeing her in Prestonsburg. 



CHAPTER XII. 

The next September my husband felt it his pleasant 
duty to go to Tazewell County, Virginia, to visit his 
sister, Mrs. Col. May, whom he had not seen since we 
were married; he wanted me to visit them, as I had 
never been there. We made the necessary prepa- 
rations to start during the latter part of the month, 
driving through the country in a buggy. We had 
a fine buggy horse, well trained, safe and gentle. 
Our first day's journey ended at Pikeville. We an- 
ticipated spending the Sabbath there and call to see 
many of our friends whom we had not seen for 
quite a long time. In the afternoon we called to see 
Mrs. David Francis, who was a cousin of Mr. David- 
son's first wife, this being the first time I had ever 
met her. They had a beautiful new home, not 
long completed, modern and up to date in every 
respect ; she seemed to be so proud of it too. We went 
back to the hotel for supper. The ending of our 
pleasant day was a most dreadful shock, when at about 
dark there was an alarm of fire. We soon discovered 
that it was this pretty home of Mr. and Mrs. Francis' 
and in a very short time all that remained was a heap 
of ashes. 

Early on Monday morning we resumed our journey. 

95 



96 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

The further up the Big Sandy the smaller the stream 
grew until there was nothing but some small rivulets 
that were its source. The road was rough and rocky 
and in some places very steep. Much of the road was 
in the streams or branches of water. The towering 
mountains, the rugged rocks, the lofty peaks were 
wonderful sights; so high in places that we had to 
look straight up to see the tops. The scenes in spots 
were picturesque indeed. Pawpaw trees by the road- 
side were hanging full of ripe fruit which we en- 
joyed very much for miles as long as they lasted. We 
would gather them in heaps, fill our buggy and eat 
until we tired. All at once the trees seemed to be 
barren ; this we could not account for unless there was 
a difference in the soil — perhaps a mineral. The sec- 
ond day's journey brought us to a large farmhouse 
just before dark ; we here found lodgings for the night. 

The third night we found a good place to spend 
the night. Taking everything as it came we had a very 
nice time, although a very rough trip. I think of it 
now as a happy time of my life but would not like to 
take it over again at my present age, but we were then 
younger and nothing seemed a hardship. The fourth 
day ended our journey. Just as the evening sun was 
beginning to shed its last rays over the high mountains 
around Tazewell we drove up to Col. May's home, 
which was a magnificent one, surrounded by acres of 
land, with tall trees, grass and shrubbery giving it a 
grand appearance. 

Our visit proved a most delightful one; I formed 



HER LIFE AND WORK 97 

many new and pleasant acquaintances. Time went by 
rapidly. Time for the Methodist Conference to con- 
vene at Bristol, Tennessee. Colonel May's daughter 
and husband were appointed delegates from their 
church. I had made my plans to make a visit to 
Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia, where I was born. 
I had cousins living there. I wrote them what time 
I would be on and for them to have someone to meet 
me. Before separating our niece and her husband 
arranged that I should make my visit down to Jones- 
ville, then join them at Bristol so we could together 
drive back to Tazewell through the country. My 
husband went with me as far as Cedar Bluff, where he 
had relatives with whom he wished to make a little 
visit. I from there went on alone. I had to change 
cars at Norton, Va., and had a wait of about 
four hours. I learned I had a cousin living there; I 
hunted them up and indeed a very pleasant wait I had. 
These were cousins I had known nothing about. How 
nice it was to see and learn to know them personally. 
She had the cook to hurry and prepare their supper 
so I could be with them for the evening meal. I met 
with such a warm reception that it made me wish that 
I could have prolonged my visit. This was the first 
and also the last time I ever saw them. I bade them 
good-by and arriving at the nearest station to 
Jonesville found my Cousin Willie Martin, with his 
driver and team awaiting me. One can well imagine 
that I now was well accustomed to driving over rough 
roads. There was another five mile drive before 



98 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

me and at night, too. We arrived at his home about 
ten o'clock or perhaps a little later. I was anxious 
for the morning to dawn so I could behold the old 
farm and house. I soon learned that the old house 
that had sheltered me in my early babyhood had long 
since been torn away. The younger ones of my 
uncle's family knew not the exact spot from whence 
it had stood. My uncle had years before gone to his 
long home. The large farmhouse had fallen to his 
younger son, the one I was then visiting. 

This being the first time I had ever met any of them 
they seemed quite glad to have me with them and left 
nothing undone to make me have a good time. Every- 
thing good to eat that a well-to-do farmer could have ; 
his wife a good, sweet woman, two children and him- 
self comprised his family at that time. A few years 
after a little girl came to their home ; they named her 
Josephine after me. I presume she is by this time 
quite a young lady. I enjoyed the few days' visit 
immensely, but must acknowledge I was a little dis- 
appointed, as I had expected to see the old house stand- 
ing, in which I made my first appearance into this 
mundane sphere. 

Around this house of my uncle during the Civil 
War a battle was fought. The family had to flee from 
their home for safety; the house was pierced by can- 
non balls three times, the balls falling in the parlor. 
The door facing was splintered. My uncle would 
never have it repaired, always saying he wanted 
future generations to see what they had to endure. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 99 

Those cannon balls were in the corner of the parlor, 
lying on the floor; I presume they are still there. 

On Sunday during my stay we were all invited up to 
Jonesville to dinner with our Cousin Mrs. Lawrence 
Hyatte. Her husband was a lawyer; they seemed to 
be in fine circumstances from all appearance. They 
had a very pretty new home, just finished, nicely fur- 
nished. Her paintings were fine and a big lot of them; 
everything seemingly of a refined and cultured nature. 
This visit is often thought of with so much pleasure. 
I have always been so grateful for it as it enabled me 
to see and learn of my relatives that I otherwise would 
not have known or perhaps never thought of. 

The time was at hand for me to join Mr. and Mrs. 
Steele at Bristol. Cousin Willie again drove me over 
to the station. There was to be a big circus at Bristol ; 
when the train rolled in it was packed like "Sardines 
in a box." There was scarcely standing room. One 
place was up grade and it required two engines to pull 
the long train of cars up. There is a natural tunnel 
on this line the trains pass through ; it was pointed out 
to me. On account of the immense crowds getting on 
at the different stations, the train was late getting into 
Bristol ; the hotels were crowded too. The conference 
had adjourned and the next morning we were ready 
for our journey back to Tazewell. Mr. and Mrs. Steele 
had left their carriage and team at Emery, so we on 
train went to this place, and drove a few miles and 
about eleven o'clock arrived at Mr. Steele's brother's 
and spent the rest of the day and that night. He 



ioo JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

lived on a fine farm and owned a sugar tree plantation 
and manufactured homemade sugar. 

The next morning his wife prepared a lunch 
for us; we had a lovely trip through the country; the 
driveway was fine and the scenery picturesque. 
The towering mountains, the rugged cliffs. We could 
see bees flying in and out of cliffs where it would have 
made it impossible for any human to reach it, even 
if they had known those cliffs were filled with honey. 
Along the roadside were ferns of different colors, white, 
cream, seal brown and green, the green that we al- 
ways have seen. I pulled up a white one by the root 
and took it home, set it out and in the Spring when it 
came up it was green like our own native ferns. The 
mineral in the soil was the way I accounted for it. We 
arrived early in the afternoon at Col. May's and found 
my husband there as he had made his visit at Cedar 
Bluff and returned. 

We finished our visit at Tazewell and prepared for 
the long hard drive of 125 miles back to Kentucky. 
My mind reverts back to those happy days with our 
loved ones, some of whom have long since passed into 
the great beyond. Our trip back was without anything 
of interest. We made it convenient to find lodging at 
the same places that we had heretofore. On arriving 
home we found little Josie with the mumps, aside from 
that all had gone well while we were absent. This was 
late in October. 

The winter passed and Spring opened with the same 
routine of duties that is always connected with the 



HER LIFE AND WORK 101 

household, cleaning, sewing, gardening and the summer 
of 1900 my health began to fail me. My husband 
realizing it, commenced to adjust his business affairs so 
as to be able to accompany me to Hot Springs, Arkan- 
sas. He suggested to me that it would perhaps be well 
for me to take a trip to Catlettsburg for a little 
visit and go to Ashland and attend the Annual Con- 
ference of our Methodist Church which convened the 
first of September, and by the latter part of the month 
he could be ready for Hot Springs. I needed a rest 
and a change. I spent the most of the time while in 
Catlettsburg with my Cousin James Trimble's family; 
they have since moved to Washington, D. C. We 
went to Ashland during the day to the sessions of Con- 
ference, Bishop Wilson presiding. We found it a 
very pleasant session. I returned to my home feeling 
much improved for the change. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

The Big Sandy branch of the C. & O. railroad had at 
this time been extended up as far as White House, 
just twenty miles from our town, which was quite an 
advantage as we could leave home early in the morning 
and make connection with the train on through to Ash- 
land the same day. 

We left for Hot Springs the latter part of Septem- 
ber, spending a few days in Cincinnati shopping, 
thence on our journey. The weather was hot, dry and 
dusty. We arrived at the Springs in the evening as the 
5un was going over the mountain tops. We had a lovely 
boarding place, the Dewey Hotel; it was filled with 
guests, most all from the South, every person trying 
to make it pleasant for the other, kind, accommodat- 
ing and courteous. 

I met Mrs. M. E. Thomas of Grand Cane, Louisi- 
ana, a lady with a lovely disposition, intelligent and in- 
teresting; I became very fond of her. We were soon 
the best of friends and to this day I think of her with a 
longing to see her again. It made the time pass very 
pleasantly for us both as we were together incessantly. 

These Springs are a wonder. A number, I don't 
remember how many, but of different temperature; 
there are hot, cold, warm and very hot. In fact, some 

102 



HER LIFE AND WORK 103 

are so hot that they must be closed to protect animal 
life. Of mornings we would often walk to a spring 
upon the side of the mountain and where a stream of 
hot water gushing out from a rock was so hot that 
when we caught it in our drinking cup we had to sip it, 
could not drink it down. The bath houses were all on 
bath row, and owned and operated by the Government. 
The road, winding around the mountain was so gradual 
that it did not tire one to ascend to the top and, when 
reached, the scenery was very pretty and one could see 
much of the surrounding country. The mountains are 
high and rocky. Our mornings were spent at the bath 
house; by the time the bath was given and we went 
through the sweating process and then the cooling and 
dressing it was usually twelve o'clock. We then re- 
turned to the hotel, where always a delicious dinner 
awaited us, after which a few hours of rest and an 
afternoon nap, then up and dress for the evening, fol- 
lowed always by a stroll, either upon the Government 
reservation or some ravine or hillside. We ofttimes 
amused ourselves by going up Happy Hollow, where 
there was a kind of Menagerie, a cage of monkeys, a 
box of snakes and various other small animals. A lot 
of donkeys were kept for hire to the tourist for amuse- 
ment. However, a ride on one did not appeal to me 
as being very inviting. I saved my quarters and per- 
haps some humiliation as I might have met with the 
same disaster that some of the ladies met with, a 
descent over the donkey's head, landing prostrate on 
the ground. They are stubborn little creatures some- 



104 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

times, only move when the spirit prompts them and, 
believe me, the movement is not a very graceful one. 

There are churches of various denomination, some 
very handsome. I remember a Jewish Synagogue ; one 
of their special celebrations was in session. Mrs. 
Thomas and I took advantage of the occasion to be 
instructed as to their methods or customs of worship, 
so we went when we so desired. It was three days of 
atonement, burning incense, reading, music, all in a 
different language from ours. Of course I could not 
catch much of the meaning ; the music was fine. Thus 
six weeks of real pleasure as well as returning health 
went by. Nothing to do but eat, sleep, walk and bathe. 
After supper we repaired to the parlor where we min- 
gled in pleasant conversation, indulged in good music 
and all enjoyed a kind feeling for each other. These 
delightful surroundings must come to an end; Mrs. 
Thomas and her son returned to their home a few days 
before our expected departure. I followed her to the 
station with a lonely sadness to say good-by to one, and 
feel that it may be the last time that we will ever see 
each other again this side of eternity. I went back to 
the hotel with a sigh and it seemed as though the sun 
had gone down behind the hill. My husband and I 
spent most of the time together though, and the remain- 
ing few days of our stay were very pleasant. I had 
rested, and bleached until I scarcely recognized myself ; 
my health was good, I had never felt better. The end 
of our stay came, I felt, too soon, but we must go home. 
The Fall was waning and it would soon grow cold. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 105 

We left Hot Springs, I with a full determination of 
returning some future time, but I have not yet carried 
out that promise I made to myself. We went to Mem- 
phis and there remained a few days, visiting the his- 
torical places. The National Cemetery, with its thou- 
sands of small white marble slabs marking the graves 
of the fallen heroes, the evenly kept green grass with 
multiplied thousands of white stones make a pleasing 
scene to the eye, although the cruelty of war enters 
our mind with such a horror. The thought of those 
fallen brave heroes cut off from the life that God had 
given and no earthly being competent to give back to 
earth and loved ones. We will ponder and ponder 
over again and again, why was it so? We ask our- 
selves the question over and over. 

Memphis has the largest cotton market facilities in 
the state, also the most important river port between 
St. Louis and New Orleans. It is a railroad center; 
much of the cotton shipped from Memphis goes by 
rail to New York and other cities in the northeastern 
part of the country where there are cotton mills. Mem- 
phis, like all other cities, has much to attract and in- 
terest its visitors; pretty parks, etc. 

Arriving in Cincinnati we found it quite cold. We 
went from there on to Catlettsburg, where we remained 
over Sunday on account of Mr. Davidson contracting 
a severe cold on our journey from the Springs, the 
change in the climate being marked. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

The next March following our trip to Hot Springs, 
my husband received a telegram from Col. May, saying 
that Mrs. May was critically ill, and realizing the con- 
dition made haste to go at once and be with her, leav- 
ing me home to attend to our home interest. How- 
ever, he had been gone only two or three days when, 
about dark, a message came to me from the Colonel 
saying to come to Tazewell at once. I was alarmed; 
everything imaginable loomed up in my mind. My dis- 
position has always been to begin to ascend the moun- 
tain long before I reach its base, and by this I have lost 
some of the sweets of life. It was about dark 
and everything to be attended to prior to starting and 
I had to get off on the early morning hack, that carried 
the mail going to White House, just at daybreak. I 
had to get a place for Josie to board during our ab- 
sence. Alex was sick at his home. I must then hur- 
riedly go see him and inform him of my intended de- 
parture ; my suit case to be packed and the many other 
chores to be looked after. By the time all was in readi- 
ness it was ten o'clock, then the thought occurred to 
me that I did not have enough ready cash in the house 
to bear the expenses of the trip, only a few dollars 
and the bank would not be opened before our leaving 

1 06 





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Mrs. J. C. Hopkins 



HER LIFE AND WORK 107 

in the morning. It occurred to me to go to each mer- 
chant and gather up what they had left out of the 
bank; I finally succeeded in gathering enough to de- 
fray all my necessary expenses, thence I returned but 
not much sleep to rest my uneasy brain. I was up and 
ready by the time the mail carrier was ; we were off by 
the time it was light enough to see the road. A cold 
and muddy journey was before us. We made it to 
White House on time and boarded the train for Cat- 
lettsburg. Upon reaching there I went up to see my 
Cousin Mrs. Captain Hopkins and spent the time I was 
waiting with the loved ones there, I being aware of 
the fact that a long wait was in store for me at Kenova, 
West Virginia, where I again had to change cars for 
Bluefield. I remained as long as I possibly could with 
my cousins and took the last train for Kenova, bought 
my ticket for Tazewell and had the ticket agent wire 
the coming train to keep me a lower berth. Under- 
standing that the road on the N. & W. was dreadfully 
rough, I had made up my mind to the effect if I failed 
to obtain a lower berth not to buy any. I did not care 
to be thrown out of my bed and it being so elevated. 
After a three hours' wait the train came rumbling in. 
I soon discovered that I had been successful in ob- 
taining the desired berth and retired at once, still but 
little or no sleep for me. Again I had to make another 
change at Bluefield. This place being a considerable 
railroad center, I only had a twenty-five minute wait 
this time. The last change made, I was on my way to 
Tazewell, to my entire satisfaction. All this tedious 



108 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

journey by myself and I did not meet up with any one 
I had ever seen. A little after eleven o'clock, the 
call out "Tazewell" was a welcome one. Our nephew 
and his daughter were at the station with the car- 
riage to meet me. I soon learned that my husband was 
all right; that the unnecessary fright was caused by 
the Colonel just wanting me to come because Mrs. May 
worried and he tried to gratify her every wish if it 
were possible. I appreciated this desire they had for 
my presence although I had two nights of worry. This 
was Wednesday; she lingered until Saturday morning 
when death came and claimed one of the most patient 
and saintly women that has ever been my good fortune 
and pleasure to know. The funeral service was held 
in the M.E. Church South, of which she had always 
been a faithful member, Sunday morning, then she was 
laid away in her last resting place. Before I pass en- 
tirely from this scene it is meet that I freshen my mind 
by dropping a sigh, a tear of remembrance over the sad 
memory of the loved one gone from us forever, as far 
as this earthly home is concerned. 

Colonel's daughter, Mrs. Steele, and I remained for 
several days in the home and arranged everything in 
good order. The most of the cares and responsibilities 
of the home would now rest entirely upon the servants. 
Colonel's son, Sam, who was a widower with six 
small children, was then living in the home. Maggie 
the oldest, about fourteen years old, would do what 
a child of her age could, but they all must be 
in school. We, after two weeks, left Tazewell for 



HER LIFE AND WORK 109 

our home, Mrs. Steele also leaving for her home in 
Abingdon, Virginia. Upon arriving at White House 
we found a slight rise in Sandy, water sufficient to 
enable a small boat to ply between White House and 
our home. We went on board late in the afternoon 
and sometime during the night landed at Prestons- 
burg. We both caught a dreadful cold on that boat and 
a decided spell of grippe ensued from which a long 
siege gripped us tight. Two weeks found my hus- 
band still in bed upstairs. I got a little better, enough 
to keep up and wait on the rest, for we found little 
Josie sick also. With the warm days of approaching 
Spring all began to improve and were soon about as 
usual. One by one the days of summer went by, then 
beginning of Fall. The latter part of September 
or in early October, our niece Cynthia Davidson, 
brother Sam's daughter and I went to Cincinnati 
to buy or rather lay in the Fall stock of goods for 
the store, that my husband and his brother were run- 
ning in our place, and "To kill two birds with one 
stone," do our Fall shopping. We had in company two 
young girls from Harold, Elizabeth and Octava 
Hatcher, friends of ours. 

While in the city we all four were invited over in 
Covington to take supper with some friends; while 
there the young lady took us from room to room to 
display the lovely paintings of one of her aunts, who 
was a very fine artist. On entering the parlor I ob- 
served a large picture as I thought was like the one 
hanging in the Kentucky State building at the Atlanta 



no JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

Fair and said, "Grace, is that just a duplicate of a paint- 
ing I saw at Atlanta Fair in the Kentucky State build- 
ing?" She answered me by saying, "It is the same 
one and Aunt Dora got a premium on it." Another 
coincidence in my life's history. I have spoken here- 
tofore of this in my description of the Exposition in 
1895 at Atlanta. However, a delightful evening and 
a splendid supper was given us. 

These business trips my niece and I usually made 
twice a year to purchase our Fall and Winter, also 
Spring and Summer, stock of goods for the store, al- 
ways having a most delightful time. We had many 
friends among the business people of the city as well as 
many others who were only private ones. These 
bring many pleasant memories of the past as also some 
sad thoughts for some of them have since gone to 
their other home. This life is like the sunshine with 
an occasional cloud passing between, blotting it out. 
In the life of every one "Some rain must fall; some 
days must be dark and dreary." 

In 1902, when the Pan-American Exposition was 
going on at Buffalo, New York, a home party and also 
some friends from Catlettsburg joined us, and we all 
went together to visit the Exposition and also Niagara 
Falls, thus making it convenient for us to take in both 
places at the same time. This was in September. Our 
country was in a very gloomy condition at that time 
on account of the assassination of our President. The 
night of our arrival in Buffalo he died, consequently the 
fair grounds were closed for the day. It being on 



HER LIFE AND WORK in 

Saturday the visitors that were taking in the fair took 
advantage of the occasion and went down to the 
Falls. Between New York, the western part, and 
Canada, the Niagara River forms the outlet of Lake 
Erie. This river flows over a high cliff, thus making 
the great Falls of Niagara. They are about three- 
fourths of a mile wide and one hundred and fifty feet 
high. Below the Falls the Niagara River washes 
through its long gorge, making rapids of large size 
and great beauty. Quite a number of sightseers were 
going down under the Falls. I had always had a desire 
to do things like that myself, so I suggested to our 
party to let's go, to which some of them readily 
acquiesced. We donned the suits, however, that were 
suited to the occasion and went. It was a wonderful 
experience and all enjoyed it immensely. If it had been 
an extremely hot day it would have been more pleasant 
but the weather was not at all warm, though the shower 
bath was invigorating. Two places the suction was so 
strong that it almost took our breath. Winding around 
under the Falls, and through the cave of the Winds, 
thence we were out from whence we started. It was 
an experience I had all my natural life wished for; the 
day ended and still a desire to linger longer. I once 
heard a lady say that she was raised at the Falls and 
yet there was a fascination that held her spellbound, 
and to an extent that she never tired of viewing it 
and continually there was something charming and 
new to her. 

We went back to Buffalo on the street car. The 



ii2 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

next day Sunday, the remains of the President lay in 
state in the City Hall. All day the throngs of people 
were going out to see him. In the afternoon we took 
a street car for the Hall but, before reaching it, a 
downpour of rain began to fall. For blocks we could 
see the visitors standing out in the drenching rain and 
the wind blowing a gale. We decided, at the present, to 
remain on the car and go to the end of the route and 
try again some time during the evening, when the 
storm abated. The clouds and rain had passed by and 
about ten o'clock that night we again took a car for the 
Hall, this time being successful. We fell in line and 
at last, though very slowly, we succeeded in getting to 
see the remains of our much loved President. The 
question has been uppermost in my mind as to why 
any person should be so void of feeling, so very cruel 
to get themselves to the point to take the life 
of one so noble and good. His devotion to his poor 
little wife would naturally make the tears fall from 
the eyes of any persons with a warm heart; to think of 
her in her loneliness, bereft of her all. The city was 
indeed in deep mourning. I no longer will dwell upon 
such a sad scene. The next day all that was mortal 
of our great and good President was carried away to 
his last place of rest and the grounds were again open 
for visitors. 

There were various improvements on the exhibits as 
years of study and work went on. The electric display 
seemed to be the greatest that had been. It was grand 
beyond any description, as also many others. After a 



HER LIFE AND WORK 113 

few days' visiting the fair grounds we again went to 
the Falls, took a steamer and went as near as they dare 
to go, the rest of the way, consisting of three or four 
miles, on a small train, on the Canadian side. A day 
spent on Canada's shore was delightful indeed. The 
view of the Falls from that side is some different and 
is a most pleasing sight to the visitor. This natural 
world wonder we read of, hear described by persons 
who have seen it, but one must behold it to compre- 
hend its majestic grandeur and beauty; one is power- 
less to describe it as it appears to the natural eye of 
the observer. There is no use to try to say more of 
its grandeur. 

We were in Buffalo for several days. We stopped 
in Cleveland for a few days, taking in the interesting 
scenes of the city and shopping. The city was draped 
in mourning for our assassinated President. 



CHAPTER XV. 

Nothing can I recall to mind in 1903 of any in- 
terest, except the railroad was being finished still 
nearer to our town. By the latter part of the year it 
was completed almost to Paintsville, and work was done 
in sections still further up the river, which was indeed 
a welcome sight to the inhabitants of the Big Sandy 
Valley. Still I enjoyed those drives; there were times 
when quite a number of vehicles would be in line 
and all of them filled with passengers, seemingly in a 
happy, jolly mood and enjoying that mode of traveling; 
some were so lively that we were kept in a continual 
spirit of laughter. Consequently the time passed so 
rapidly that we would be at our destination before 
scarcely realizing it. 

The Summer of 1904 Josie made up her mind to 
marry a young man, Sherrid Spradlin, and on the 
29th of June they were married, remaining in the 
home with us during the entire year. In the Fall we 
left them to keep house for us while we were gone to the 
St. Louis Fair. Mr. and Mrs. Richmond, my sister, 
Mrs. Ford, and Byrde Callihan (now Mrs. May), con- 
stituted our party at the time. We had quite a nice 
but uneventful trip, remaining a few days in Cincin- 
nati shopping, and thence on our journey to St. Louis, 

114 



HER LIFE AND WORK 115 

arriving late in the afternoon. Next morning we went 
out to the Fair grounds. There are many striking 
features that occur to the mind of a thoughtful visitor 
at these Expositions. We think of the great cost of the 
Exposition; it was estimated that the great Louisiana 
Purchase Exposition expended nearly forty millions of 
dollars, then the waste of destroying those beautiful 
buildings and works of art all seem extravagance be- 
yond degree. The result of an Exposition is that every 
trade will show marked improvement, because of the 
new methods, and new arts brought from other parts 
of the world and exhibits for the benefit of the work- 
man in all arts. The realization which the Exposition 
brings to mind, of the progress that has been made in 
every line of production and thought in the years com- 
ing and going is a striking feature and food for much 
thought. 

There were things that were unthought of in 1893, in 
the mechanical world, that are today being developed 
in usefulness and real pleasure. The Educational Build- 
ing was of great interest; its exhibits showed ad- 
vances which were being made in education in all parts 
of the country. The Festival Hall, the Terrace of 
States, the Restaurant, Pavilion and the three great 
Cascades were wonderful works of art and very beau- 
tiful to the observer. The Palace of Electricity, espe- 
cially at night, was a grand sight. In the Sunken Gar- 
den, the beautiful arrangement of the flower beds was 
beyond any description of the beauty portrayed to the 
eye of the visitor. I must not forget to mention the 



n6 JOSie M. DAVIDSON 

visit to the Walled City of Jerusalem. There were 
twenty-two streets ; the houses were copied from those 
of Jerusalem, booths along the streets in which were 
exhibited many articles to tempt the dimes, nickels and 
quarters of visitors. There were fortune telling, ba- 
zaars, etc. The Walled City of Jerusalem, in St. 
Louis, was an interesting and instructive place to see. 
There were many new household methods and art 
exhibits, all kinds of useful articles which, of course, 
was very interesting and instructive, but limited time 
prevented my study of those things, as I have always 
had enough of that kind of things at home to do. 

The Boer War was rendered by British and Boer 
Warriors at the Exposition ; the horses were trained to 
fall to the ground and roll over at the command of 
their riders. It was as realistic as the greatest war 
enthusiast might desire with the knowledge that the 
scene was enacted by the real heroes of the battles 
which were now being represented in mimic warfare. 
Then the ambulances came into the field, the wounded 
were removed, the spoils of victory gathered together, 
then the curtains in front of the amphitheater fell and 
shut out the view. Many of those interesting ex- 
hibits and buildings of great art loom up in my mind, 
but space and time prevents more than a brief outline, 
and that of but a few thoughts and ideas of those mag- 
nificent buildings and exhibits. 

After leaving St. Louis we went to French Lick 
Springs to spend a few days for a rest and recreation, 
a change of air and water. There are different kinds 




Andrew 



HER LIFE AND WORK 117 

of water and it seems indeed strange that there are so 
many springs close together and the waters so different 
in their medicinal properties, and not at all pleasant to 
the taste. The surroundings are picturesque and some- 
what hilly ; a most delightful place to spend a few days ; 
nice hotels ; and the people are very sociable and plenty 
of good things to appease the appetite. Places of 
amusement, churches, pretty grounds, flowers and 
other things that are very attractive and beautiful to 
the observer. After a stay of about ten days we re- 
sumed our journey homeward. 

On the 17th day of June, 1905, little Andrew Sprad- 
lin came into our home, a wee, tiny baby. We were 
quite fond of him and his little mother thought he 
was the only baby in the world; he grew and soon 
became the joy of our home. That Summer we put 
them to housekeeping, by building them a pretty cot- 
tage next to our home. Of course Andrew was with 
us as much as with his parents. In the following year, 
June, 1906, was "Home Coming" at Louisville, Ken- 
tucky, the time being fixed about the middle of the 
month as I recall. I was given the place as County 
Hostess for Floyd County. My husband's brother, 
his daughter and also another niece and a nephew (Joe 
and Mary Harkins), children of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. 
Harkins, of whom I have written heretofore, consti- 
stuted the "Home Coming" party from our place. The 
nephew, Joe Harkins, was appointed as Commissioner 
for the occasion. The "Home Coming" was held in 
the Grand Armory Building, an immense structure, 



n8 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

The booths were arranged in alphabetical order for 
each County in the State; these booths were required 
to have a register and commissioner, also county hos- 
tess. Persons who had ever lived or been born in the 
state were requested to register at the Booth of the 
county they had formerly lived in. The duty of the 
County Hostess was to welcome the home visitors and 
be present at the County Booth during the hours that 
had been fixed for receiving. There were persons that 
had been away from home for many years who took 
advantage of that Home Coming to visit their na- 
tive state. It was a joyful as well as wonderful time. 
I had the real pleasure of meeting again some old ac- 
acquaintances that I had known in my early girlhood. 
The "Home Coming" lasted two or three days as I re- 
member ; the last night ended with a grand ball ; while I 
never engaged in such festivities I made up my mind 
to go and see as it was an unusual occasion, and seeing 
the throngs of people would be worth the seeing, and a 
big ball I had never attended, so we three ordered the 
hair dressers to come to the hotel and dress our hair ; 
we wanted to look our best, so we must not leave off 
anything as we were out for a big time, and a grand 
time we were having. We ordered a cab to drive 
to the Armory and of course Joe and his sister engaged 
in the dance, but Nelle and I just looked on. 

It was estimated that there were thirty thousand 
people in the building at the time of the ball that night. 
It was entirely worth seeing for its own sake, and three 
thousand dancing at once. Our badges entitled us to a 



HER LIFE AND WORK 119 

seat upon the grand stand that was erected for that 
occasion. We had a good view, could see everything 
very plainly. I soon tired out after seeing it all and 
went back to the hotel to get a rest as we were booked 
for next day to go to Frankfort. 

The laying of the cornerstone of our new Capitol 
Building was to take place at one o'clock P.M. We 
had to rise early so as to reach the station and pro- 
cure our tickets in time to catch the early train for 
Frankfort. We were late in retiring so did not get 
much sleep that night. We left before getting our 
breakfast. Arriving in Frankfort about nine o'clock 
we went to the Capitol Hotel, which was the best in the 
city, got our breakfast, then took a street car for the 
new building grounds. At one o'clock the laying of the 
cornerstone took place amid the ceremonies that were 
suitable for the occasion. Amid all those interesting 
and joyful surroundings and pleasures which I cannot 
describe but linger memories which I will never 
forget; still thoughts now arise in my mind that bring 
dark shadows, for some of our party that assisted in 
giving so much joy and pleasure have gone to their 
other home. Our brother, Green Davidson, left us 
years gone by and his daughter, Nelle (then Mrs. May), 
went away over a year ago ; she died with that dreadful 
disease, "Flu." 

After a day's stay in our State Capitol, we left for 
our home. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

I shall have occasion to refer to the new Capitol 
again and the city of Frankfort. 

The next Spring one of my husband's nephews 
graduated from one of the dental schools in Louisville, 
and as we had assisted in rearing him, of course we 
had a great desire to be present on that joyful occasion. 
Quite a number of the relatives and friends were in- 
vited to be in attendance. The railroad being finished 
and trains running regular, made it very convenient. 
No more tired teams and rough roads to encounter 
now. We made it convenient to go to Cincinnati to 
purchase the Spring stock of goods for the store and 
do our shopping. We gave two of our little nieces 
the extended trip; my niece and namesake, Josephine 
May, and Mr. Davidson's niece, Douglas Davidson. 
Both these little girls were the same age and they were 
cousins. We had in the party, Elizabeth Archer 
(now Mrs. Wells), and Lackey Davidson (now 
Mrs. Roberts). They had a very nice time while in 
Cincinnati. It was a big trip for them; we went on 
board a large Ohio steamer at five o'clock P.M., leav- 
ing the city for Louisville, so the girls could have a 
voyage on a large steamboat; to say those girls en- 
joyed it does not express it. 

120 



HER LIFE AND WORK 121 

Sometime during the early part of the evening a 
band of school children came aboard the boat, a big 
number of them, and such a noise they all kept up, 
almost the whole night; no one could get much sleep. 
When arriving at Louisville next morning we were all 
tired out. That night the graduating exercises kept 
us quite late. We were very proud of our nephew, 
who finished with honors. We stayed a few days in 
order to give the girls an opportunity to see the city, 
thence on home on the train. 

The Summer of 1907 Josie's health gave way, she 
not being at all well all the summer and the latter part 
of August and first of September she gradually grew 
worse. All was done that medical skill could be 
brought to bear, but failed, and on the 18th she passed 
away, leaving little Andrew, then just a little over two 
years old. The nurse we had employed to assist us 
arrayed her for burial; she was the most beautiful 
corpse I have ever in my life looked upon. I can see 
her in my mind's eye now and I felt that I would never 
tire looking at her. How often I have wished that 
Andrew could have remembered how beautiful she was 
when in her casket. She being a member of the 
Daughters of Rebecca, she was buried with the cus- 
tomary burial services of that order ; we had a church 
funeral; all the business houses or most all closed for 
the hour of the funeral. A number of the members of 
the Rebeccas from Pikeville came down to be in at- 
tendance. Her death made Andrew doubly dear to 
us. After she was laid away I was so completely 



122 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

worn out from the anxiety and hardship of the Sum- 
mer's experience I had undergone, that I was al- 
most in a state of collapse, and realizing that I needed 
a complete change and rest, in both mind and body, 
we decided to go to the Jamestown Exposition as soon 
as the necessary preparations could be made and all 
things else done and in perfect order. 

Early in November we left Andrew with his uncle 
and aunt, to take care of him during our absence. Mr. 
and Mrs. Richmond again accompanied us on this 
trip. Going by way of Washington city, stopping at 
the same Hotel that we had years before, and strange 
to say we were given the very same rooms that we 
occupied heretofore. The room joined the parlor is 
the reason that I so well remember. We had not been 
there since the Library of Congress was completed, so 
the first place we thought of was to see it in all its 
beauty for ourselves. The grounds adjoin those of 
the Capitol; the foundation of the library was laid 
in 1888. "The building was begun in 1889 and was 
completed in 1897. The net cost, exclusive of the 
site, was $6,032,124.54;" it has three stories with a 
dome, covering nearly three and one-half acres of 
ground. It has almost two thousand windows, which 
renders it the best lighted library in the world; the 
lower floor consists of reading rooms, offices, etc. The 
pavilion and galleries of the second story are devoted 
to exhibits of engravings and other collections of rare 
books and portraits of the Presidents and other noted 
personages. In going from room to room one thinks 



HER LIFE AND WORK 123 

each is the most attractive and after all have been 
seen, one cannot make up his or her mind which is 
the most beautiful. I have not the power of describ- 
ing anything so beautiful; I will just here say as it is 
written by the poet Tennyson, "Things seen are 
mightier than things heard." 

After a few days' stay in our U. S. Capital we 
boarded a steamer for Norfolk, Virginia, from the 
wharf at the foot of 7th Street, where the steamers of 
the Norfolk and Washington line leave daily for For- 
tress Monroe and Norfolk; the sail on the historic 
Potomac River, Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads, 
with a charming view from the river, of Washington 
and Norfolk as they are approached, make a most de- 
lightful and interesting trip. The steamer passes many 
places of historical interest, such as Alexandria, Fort 
Foote, Fort Washington, Mount Vernon, the home 
and last resting place of President Washington. At 
Point Lookout the steamer enters the Chesapeake Bay, 
which is considered one of the most beautiful bodies 
of water in the world. After a few hours' sail For- 
tress Monroe is reached and Old Point, thence Norfolk 
and Portsmouth, with the Government Navy Yards. 
We arrived at Norfolk, procured rooms there and 
each morning took a street car for the fair grounds at 
Jamestown, coming back each night to Norfolk. Sev- 
eral evenings were spent attending the theaters, seeing 
some of the famous plays. One day we went to Ports- 
mouth; it was a well spent time too. We were taken 
through and shown the interior of the battleship Vir- 



124 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

ginia, saw the battleship California undergoing repair, 
in dry dock. All these great, wonderful vessels were 
a grand scene for us. The time being up that we had 
given ourselves for the stay at Jamestown and the other 
points of interest we took a steamer and sailed over 
to Old Point, where we took the C. & O. train for 
Richmond, where the State Fair was to be. In due 
time we reached our destination. After an evening's 
rest, the next morning we were ready for the fair 
grounds. We were informed that Mr. Bryan was to 
speak during the Exposition; this was indeed an un- 
expected pleasure to us as we had never heard him. 
The topic of his address was, "The average man." 
We were fortunate enough to occupy a seat so near him 
that we heard every word very distinctly. I was de- 
lighted to have the opportunity of hearing this great 
man speak. 

I had always had a desire to visit the historic city 
of Richmond and its surroundings ; now the opportunity 
had arrived. Finding all the interesting things at once 
going on enabled us to "Kill a number of birds with 
one stone." The exhibits of all the different counties 
were, of course, good. The Fair seemed to be a com- 
plete success. 

One day we took a street car and went to where the 
battle was fought out at "Seven Pines" during the 
Civil War. My husband made inquiry as to why it 
was called the battle of "Seven Pines" and was told 
because of a cluster of seven pine trees standing very 
close together. There seemed to be a forest of pine 



HER LIFE AND WORK 125 

timber and not any missing. We were informed that 
those trees were so full of lead that it would be an im- 
possibility to fell any of them; I presume they will 
have to remain as a monument to that famous battle 
as long as time lasts. I was much impressed with 
those historical scenes that surround the Capital City 
of the state of my birth. A day in the wonderful 
cemetery was spent ; we visited the burial place of that 
great and famous man, President Jefferson Davis, and 
his family; I had read much of his lovely daughter, 
Winnie. With bowed heads we stood there for a while 
and I felt that I should well remember that scene for- 
ever, overlooking the river James gently flowing by; 
then with lingering steps we turned away from the 
quiet resting place of those illustrious people, whose 
memory I have ever been taught to love and revere. 

Then a day we considered must be spent out at the 
Home of the Confederate Soldiers; those poor old men 
were wearing the Confederate gray clothes still. They 
looked feeble indeed, though they seemed to be happy 
and some were jolly. I could not subdue the unbidden 
tears that would flow, which has always been my fail- 
ing when my sympathetic feeling is aroused; I pre- 
sume it is no bad failing, though. In the Home was 
a kind of museum, containing many relics of the Civil 
War, among which is the saddle and bridle owned and 
used by the great and good Stonewall Jackson, as also 
his horse, "Old Sorrel," is mounted and in a glass case, 
and many other things too numerous to mention. To- 
day when I take a retrospective view of those things 



126 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

sad memories will loom up too serious to mention and 
I try to bring to my mind things brighter. 

Our stay in Richmond ended, with some memories 
that will always remain green spots and cherished in 
my mind as long as life lasts. The information to be 
obtained is indeed a good lesson to be learned and well 
worth the time and money spent. In making our plans 
for this extended tour we arranged so as to be able to 
connect our given time to those different places of 
enterprise and entertainments that we expected to visit. 
The "Grand Chapter" Eastern Star, of which we both 
were members, was to convene at Louisville; I, at that 
time was Worthy Matron of our home chapter, con- 
sequently was the member to represent our Chapter 
in the Grand Chapter of Kentucky. 

Leaving Richmond, after our stay was over, we em- 
barked for Louisville, arriving there in due time. Sev- 
eral of the members of our Chapter joined us in the 
city all ready for the opening of our Grand Chapter 
next morning. This being the first Grand Chapter I 
had ever had the privilege of attending, I found it very 
instructive and interesting, giving a new inspiration and 
an overflow of love for our Order. The Chapter 
usually lasts three days. Mrs. Hager, representing the 
Paintsville Chapter, said to me on Friday morning that 
she had thought of going out to the Orphans' Home 
and getting a little girl to raise and asked me to ac- 
company her; my husband and I both went with her. 
She selected a bright pretty child of about eight sum- 
mers named Frances. She adopted this little girl giving 



HER LIFE AND WORK 127 

her the name of Hager. The Grand Chapter closed 
Friday evening and Saturday morning we took our 
departure for our many respective homes, Mrs. Hager 
with her little girl. This dear little girl I will again 
refer to later on, as there is quite a little coincidence 
connected with us. We had been absent from home for 
a long time and were getting anxious to see Andrew, 
who was now our only baby. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

Nothing of any importance transpired during the re- 
mainder of that Fall and Winter. The extra care of 
little Andrew and the same routine of my household 
duties. I was kept right busy the most of the time. 
The little fellow grew, though very slowly. 

The annual conference was held at Paintsville the 
first of September. I went down to be there for 
the occasion and to visit my brother's family. Bishop 
Hoss presided; it was a delightful session. Their 
new church was not quite completed, but enough 
finished to enable the Conference to be held in it. The 
church is very beautiful. That was the first Annual 
Conference that was ever held so far up our river, 
consequently it was well attended. Almost every fam- 
ily opened their doors and the whole delegation was 
royally and hospitably entertained, plenty of room and 
to eat; it was a joyous occasion for every one in 
attendance. 

Later in the Autumn the Grand Chapter, Order of 
the Eastern Star, again had its annual session at Padu- 
cah, Kentucky. Mrs. Harkins and I were ready for 
the trip as also some of the other members. Our 
Worthy Matron being sick at the time and not physi- 
cally able to go, her daughter was sent as a delegate to 

128 




Mrs. W. S. Harkins 



HER LIFE AND WORK 129 

represent the Chapter at home, making three from our 
Chapter, also Mrs. Pinson from Pikeville Chapter and 
Mrs. Ward represented the Paintsville Chapter. The 
five of us constituted the party. At other stations 
other members joined us, until finally the continued 
increase about filled a car; a merry crowd now on a 
long journey and out for a nice time. We arrived at 
Paducah about ten o'clock P.M. A committee met us 
whose duty had been assigned them to locate us in 
pleasant places. Our party of five were assigned to 
the same place fortunately. The reception to the Grand 
Officer was given on Tuesday evening, all in handsome 
evening gowns, and a merry time for us all meeting with 
our old friends. Wednesday morning the business ses- 
sion began. At four o'clock all the street cars lined up 
in front of the Masonic Hall and took the whole of the 
Grand Chapter for a two hours' run over the city, all 
free, and brought us back in time for our evening 
lunch, and to make preparation for the evening's enter- 
tainment. Thursday morning, again the business ses- 
sion was on for the day ; Thursday evening at five 
o'clock we all were given a free steamboat ride for two 
or three hours' run. We were served sandwiches and 
coffee on the boat, all free, returning with us in time 
for us to make our evening toilet for the entertainment. 
The city did so much to give the Eastern Star a nice 
time. I believe the session of the Grand Chapter at 
Paducah was one of the most harmonious and thor- 
oughly delightful sessions of the Eastern Star I have 
ever had the pleasure of attending, though it has been 



130 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

my privilege as well as pleasure to attend many other 
meetings and all have been agreeable. 

On our return we spent a day in Louisville stopping 
at the Willard Hotel ; we did quite a bit of shopping. 
I purchased Andrew his first little overcoat. The next 
morning we all were ready for an early start for our 
respective homes, arriving at 7 130 P.M. after a splen- 
did time. 

Andrew's fifth birthday approaching, his father 
married again, a young lady who at that time lived upon 
Beaver Creek, about twenty miles from our place, 
bringing his wife down for a while. He was em- 
ployed as teacher in the Normal School at Louisa, 
Kentucky. While spending their vacation they 
packed up the household goods belonging to Josie and 
shipped them to Louisa, where they expected to go to 
housekeeping. Finishing their task, they took Andrew 
and went back up to Beaver Creek to her father's to 
finish their vacation. We were so lonely without our 
little boy, who had really been the life and joy of our 
home ; I was so miserable, nothing gave me any pleasure 
or happiness. I really dreaded to finish my daily task ; 
I wanted to keep continually employed. After a few 
weeks had elapsed we decided that we must see him. 
Mr. Davidson mounted his horse and went to Beaver 
after him, bringing him home, then there was com- 
plete happiness in our home for a while. 

A number of ladies at home were invited up to 
Allen City for dinner with. Mrs. Sam Hatcher, my 



HER LIFE AND WORK 131 

husband's nephew's wife. It is only about seven or 
eight miles above our town; the train was scheduled 
to pass our town at ten o'clock and that gave ample 
time to arrive there for dinner and spend a few hours. 
This being the first time I had ever had an opportunity 
of passing by the home of my early childhood, which 
I have mentioned in the beginning of this history, at 
the mouth of Bull Creek; thoughts began to crowd 
my mind before reaching the station. I wondered if 
anything would look the least familiar to me. The sta- 
tion was called; I looked out at the car window, the 
same hills looked so strange, but all else seemed 
to be gone. Then, looking a little beyond, I saw the 
little knoll just above where the house that shel- 
tered me had stood in years gone by; there too was 
the old chestnut tree as familiar as of yore, although 
it had braved the fury of many a storm and had stood 
the test of snow and ice of the cold winters and the 
heat of summers for years, and generations, who no 
doubt had gathered its product, have come and gone, 
yet there it stands, though plainly showed to me that it 
too, like everything earthly, must sometime pass away. 
Many of its branches were dead and still clinging to 
the old body, that seemed as age was fast creeping on 
and it, too, gradually dying. Sad thoughts loomed up 
thick and fast. I took my pencil and paper and wrote 
these lines that seemed to describe the situation at that 
time, far better than I can now write; I fixed the sub- 
ject for my little poem, "The Old Home Farm" : 



132 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

"Time is fleeting, fleeting fast, 
Five and forty were the years that had passed, 
Since the old home, I last beheld, 
Which is remembered, O ! so well. 

The change so great, since the days of yore, 
The past loomed up, my heart grew sore, 
With thoughts of the time of my childhood glee, 
And those years that have rolled into Eternity. 

The old home of my childhood is torn away, 
To give place to a lumber yard to-day, 
And the dear old farm, Yes, 'Tis a fact, 
Is now divided by a railroad track. 

All is gone, the barn, the road, the ridge, 

The creek is now spanned by a railroad bridge, 

The old spring too is all filled up, 

Where oft its water I had dipped with my little cup. 

In vain I scanned into every face, 

For one I knew, but not a trace, 

For the faces there then are there no more, 

Many have gone to the other shore. 

I know I shall never see them again, 
In this low world right well I ken, 
But at last in our home above we'll meet, 
And there together bow at Jesus' feet. 

Ah ! no more will I ever roam, 
Around the old place I had once called home, 
My heart was made with sadness to swell, 
As I bid the old farm, old home, farewell." 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Before the Summer closed we were again made to 
worry ; Andrew's father took him to Louisa with them, 
in such a cruel, heartless manner, without even con- 
sulting us upon the subject after the years of his 
existence I had all the trouble and care of him as 
well as the pleasure of having him with us. Under the 
existing circumstances we thought it was due us to be 
consulted and have an understanding about having him 
with us some of the time at least, but his father thought 
he must be made to forget us entirely, fearing he would 
love us better than them, and that we should have no 
claim upon him. Thus the remaining days of August 
went by ; then Fall approached. The loneliness became 
intense. 

The Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was 
to meet again at Frankfort late in the Fall ; I being very 
anxious to attend, made my arrangements to stop off at 
Louisa and see the little fellow. Mr. Davidson went 
that far with me to see him. Stopping at the Hotel and 
securing our room, we at once started out to hunt their 
home. He was so delighted to see and have us with 
him. How weak and feeble he looked; so much of a 
change. I was almost heartbroken to see his general 
appearance. We spent the rest of the morning with 

133 



134 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

him and went back to the hotel for our dinner, and 
thence with him the remainder of the day. The follow- 
ing morning I went on to Frankfort and my husband to 
West Liberty to visit his sister, Mrs. Kendall, and 
spend the time I was away from home with her. Mrs. 
Harkins and others from our home Chapter joined us 
on the morning train and we all went on together. At 
Ashland we changed cars and a large number of 
O. E. S. members from other places came in and thus 
we had a car full, before arriving at our state capital. 
We all took rooms at the Capitol Hotel, consequently 
there was a well-filled hotel. 

The Grand Chapter was tendered the Senate Cham- 
ber in the new Capitol building in which to assemble 
for the business of the Order, which was accepted with 
many thanks. The new Capitol building was now com- 
pleted and was a very handsome structure, distinguished 
for its pretty situation, its majestic proportions, for 
dignity, grace and beauty of design, its adornments and 
decorations which beautify it without as well as within. 
From an elevated site overlooking the Kentucky River 
and railroad one can see its towering dome for quite 
a distance. It is set amid spacious grounds whose 
extent and arrangement add much to its beauty. "The 
magnificent marble corridors and stairways that lead 
to the different rooms, court, senate, and committee, 
also legislative hall, all noted for richness of material, 
construction and adornment"; a capitol building that 
any state could well be proud of. The reception of the 
grand officers was held at the Capitol Hotel in the 



HER LIFE AND WORK 135 

spacious parlor, the business session at the Capitol 
building, lasting all day. 

We had the honor as well as pleasure of the presence 
of the most Worthy Grand Matron of the General 
Grand Chapter with us, the first day of the session, and 
I had the pleasure of being seated at the same table with 
her (Mrs. Washburn). 

One morning Mrs. Hager and I played truant and 
went for a stroll out to the cemetery and saw the 
resting place of our assassinated governor, William 
Goble. Then we went through the Penitentiary. The 
guide that took us through said that they were giving 
the Eastern Star ladies a free pass. I was astonished 
at the comforts that were provided for those convicts ; 
I had always thought of the State Penitentiary as being 
something horrible. No doubt many had comforts 
there that were unheard of in their homes. The cooks 
were preparing dinner ; how appetizing everything did 
look; such real wholesome food. A Library, two 
Chapels, Protestant and Catholic, Drug Store, Hospital, 
Dining Room. The interior of the walls, a small park 
and pretty flower beds and the things surrounding ap- 
peared really inviting until we came to apartments 
containing the cells for their night's rest; they were 
a dismal sight indeed. The thought of being locked in 
all night would naturally give one a feeling of horror. 
The guide told us that some of the convicts, as soon 
as their time had expired, would repeat some unlawful 
act so as to be sent back to the prison, saying that they 
did not feel at home anywhere else. 



136 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

After exploring the prison we then went through 
the old capitol building, which is still standing. I 
wanted to see it for various reasons ; some of my own 
relatives had occupied official places there, representing 
our home districts as State Senators, Representatives, 
etc., and one of the most interesting features of that 
ancient building is the stairway, which was made by a 
convict, and is so constructed that there is no visible 
means of support; 'tis said there is none other like 
it in the world, and for that reason they wish to pre- 
serve it for all time. There are some very interesting 
things around the capitol. 

All the evening entertainments in connection with 
the Order of the Eastern Star were held in the parlor 
of the Capitol Hotel ; we had a good session and a good 
time; the Chapter lasted three days. After the ad- 
journment of the Grand Chapter we bade our friends 
a fond adieu, each leaving for our homes. That was 
the last time I have been in our state capitol, and a 
time to be fondly remembered on account of the many 
pleasant memories connected with our stay. 

I stopped off at Louisa to spend the Sabbath with 
our Cousin, Mrs. Lackey, and to again have the 
pleasure of seeing and being with our little Andrew, 
prior to our contemplated tour through Florida for 
the coming Winter. I had a most delightful little visit 
with them all. I did not want to lose any of the time 
of being with the little fellow. How hard it was to 
part with him no one could ever know, but all turns 
out right when one puts his or her trust in a higher 



HER LIFE AND WORK 137 

power and seeks to do the right thing regardless of 
what may befall them. The remaining part of the 
autumn passed, bringing the cold winds and snow of 
December; we decided to remain at our home until 
after Christmas; that was in 19 10, which was the last 
Christmas we ever spent in Prestonsburg. 

Our Methodist Sunday School gave the accustomed 
Christmas eve entertainment; I was placed upon the 
program for a recitation and responded with a little 
poem of my own composition. My subject I took from 
God's Holy Word ; I will herein rewrite it : 

"The Star in the East. 

The Shepherds watched, the night was still, 
Their flock, as they grazed, on the Judean hills, 
When lo ! in the East a strange Star appeared, 
Met their gaze, and they greatly feared. 

But that fear was not long to last, an angel spoke, 
Fear not, O'er thy path a brighter future is cast. 
For unto you this day a King is born, to proclaim, 
'Peace on Earth, good will to men/ 

Music sweet fell from the Heavenly choir, 

And greeted the ears of Casper, Belthasar and Melchior. 

These wise men three to say the least, 

Hastily followed that strange star in the East. 

Long was their journey, but they did not tire, 

While they followed that one bright star, 

Until the city they did behold, 

And there entered the palace of King Herod of old. 



138 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

'A mighty King is born unto us this day,' 
The wise men unto him did say, 
And King Herod with great fear did quake, 
For he thought his mighty throne at stake. 

A fearful command he then did give, 

That not a male child under two years of age should live, 

Death spread abroad throughout his Nation, 

And many a dear child from earth and home was taken. 

But his cruel edict a failure proved, 
From his native country the Christ child was moved, 
God from the beginning had foreordained, 
That the infant King should not be slain. 

That star lingered over the manger, 

And guided the wise men to the Divine little stranger, 

Then his parents with him into Egypt fled, 

And there remained until King Herod was dead. 

The Angel again was heard to speak — 
Saying, Arise ! thy own native country seek. 
There is naught for thee to fear — 
Herod is no more, the way is clear. 

All hail the return of the infant Saviour-King, 
Let voices to-day loudly ring. 
Oh ! may we too follow that star in the East 
Until upon Him our eyes may feast. 

When one by one we each shall fall, 
May that one bright star guide us all, 
Until we reach that mystic bourne — 
There worship Him around His great white throne/' 



CHAPTER XIX. 

Christmas being over we left for Florida, about the 
29th of December, closing the home for the remaining 
part of the Winter. We arrived at Chattanooga on 
New Year's Eve. This being Saturday we stopped 
off to spend the Sabbath at that old historical city, 
but on the next morning we were completely shut in- 
doors on account of a downpour of rain which con- 
tinued the whole day. It was cold and chilly so we 
decided to continue our journey farther south, so on 
Monday morning in a continual rain we left Chatta- 
nooga for Jacksonville, Florida, finding it more in- 
viting to be traveling on train than being shut in a 
hotel. We arrived at Jacksonville about dark and pro- 
ceeded at once to a nearby hotel. It indeed seemed 
strange to be in a room without fire in January. After 
a bath and supper we were tired enough to retire for 
the night and take an early start in the morning to 
sightsee. When we arose in the morning it seemed as 
though we had entered a new world. The balmy mild 
atmosphere, the bright warm sunshine. Such a great 
change in country and climate. The pretty green 
foliage still on the trees did not appear to have felt 
any frost. The tropical plants all in bloom in the 
parks and on the lawns; one would never be reminded 

139 



140 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

that it was then the first of January. To us, at that 
time, Jacksonville appeared to be the real "Garden 
spot of the world." I had often read much of the 
state and its mild climate and heard much of its real 
beauty, but upon beholding it myself I could then see 
and realize its attractions. One must have the real 
pleasure and experience all within themselves to derive 
the depths of its grandeur. 

I was so charmed with all the surroundings in and 
about the city. It is situated on the St. Johns River. 
This river is one of the very few that flows due north. 
The large ocean steamers sail into the Jacksonville 
harbor. We enjoyed a week in this city, taking in all 
the places of interest around and in the place. Went 
out to different parks, a long and nice street car ride, 
where even nature seems to know just how to attire 
herself in these places of scenic and picturesque gran- 
deur ; the silence is impressive and so vast. The Span- 
ish moss, hanging and beautifully draped upon the 
trees by nature, so perfectly that it has the appearance 
as though decorated by real human hands being brought 
into action. The song birds pealing forth their sweet 
melodies; it is an appeal to a sense we do not use or 
have any knowledge of in our everyday life. You 
listen to the birds' sweet notes, the soft rustle of the 
grasses, the sound of the wind in the tree tops, the 
tinkle of the waves breaking on the lake shore. One 
could devote much time to the subject of the atmos- 
phere so mild and pleasant, of the winds that carry with 
them the suggestion of plants, the woods, the sweet 



HER LIFE AND WORK 141 

odor of the flowers; these thoughts forced home the 
fact that here is a country where, at least, a few per- 
sons can bid good-by to many discomforts of the cold, 
bleak northern Winters that invariably bring so much 
suffering and added expense. 

The Spanish Moss, I was informed, had its use- 
fulness as well as its attractions. It was gathered and 
put through a killing process, the outer covering peel- 
ing off leaving a substance resembling the mane and 
tail of a horse, this substance being used for the pur- 
pose of upholstering furniture and mattresses. The 
water hyacinth pads, spread over some of the rivers, 
are so dense that not a bit of the water in these streams 
can be seen, though it is very pretty to the observer; 
its beautiful bloom is a perfect sheet of lavender, as 
far up and down the stream as the eye can see. It is 
said that the channels have to be cleared by cutting 
them away by dredge boats. 

We met some nice and sociable people from Iowa 
at the same Hotel, and we all decided to have a steam- 
boat trip up St. Johns River to San ford. The day for 
our departure was fixed and we looked forward to its 
coming with eagerness. We all well knew that it 
meant a jolly good time as well as pretty trip and be 
able to see much of the country round about. The 
boat was scheduled to leave Jacksonville at five o'clock 
P.M. Tuesday. All went aboard, everything provided 
for the convenience of our journey. It was a lovely 
trip. This peculiar stream is made up of deep channels 
and broad and wide lakes. In places the channels are 



142 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

so narrow that one can stand on deck and touch the 
foliage on the trees. Then, shortly, wide lakes appear, 
so very wide that I imagine it would take one quite a 
long time to make the sail across them. The northern 
part of the state is not much of an orange country; I 
don't remember seeing any trees at all. 

The next morning we were up as the steamer 
drew near San ford, each passenger eager to catch 
a glimpse of the first orange tree with its fruit on 
it, all out on deck with field glasses. At last, in 
the distance, a small tree was observed, and with the 
aid of field glasses we were able to see a few scattering 
yellow oranges thereon. That truly was a wonderful 
sight to us then. About ten o'clock in the forenoon 
the vessel landed in the harbor at Sanford. A friend 
of the passengers from Iowa met us at the wharf. He 
was expecting them and had arranged a boarding 
place for us all in a private home where we had a nice 
room and plenty to appease the appetite, for Mrs. Wing 
was a most excellent cook and hostess. The old gentle- 
man who was so accommodating, was an excellent 
man ; we were pleased to know him he was so sociable 
and kind, but his work here is completed and God called 
him to his last reward several years since, as others 
that constituted our happy party. 

Sanford is a very pretty little city, noted for its 
great production of celery and lettuce; the soil is good 
for any kind of trucking. There are many sul- 
phur springs around the town; the water is so strong 
with the sulphur that it sends out its odor for quite 



HER LIFE AND WORK 143 

a distance. One can always tell when they are 
nearing Sanford by that sign. The orange and grape 
fruit are grown there in abundance. The first thing 
we proceeded to do was to start out for a walk and 
find an orange grove laden with its yellow, ripe fruit. 
We walked for a mile or more from Sanford and found 
what we were hunting; a lady came out and we told 
her we wanted to buy some oranges and get them right 
off the tree. She caught hold of a limb and pulled 
it down, asked me if I wished to gather them 
myself. I was glad to have to say that I had pulled 
them off with my own hand so I could write home to 
my sister and tell her all about it. Well, that was my 
first real delightful experience with an orange tree 
(but not the last). We sure did have, for the first time 
in our lives, more oranges than we could eat for only 
ten cents and for twenty-five cents we kept a big sack 
full in our room and ate as we liked. Before leaving 
Jacksonville we left orders for our mail to be forwarded 
to Sanford, The first time I went to the Post Office 
and asked if there was any mail for us the postmaster 
smiled and began to hand out our mail; there must 
have been twenty-five or thirty postcards and a number 
of letters, as well as papers. All I could well handle 
without a basket. We had enough to keep us em- 
ployed that afternoon reading them all. Mrs. Wing 
was a nice little hostess and did all she could to give 
us a good time while boarding with her. 

In the meantime I learned that the first Grand Matron 
of the Florida Order of the Eastern Star lived in San- 



144 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

ford. A member of her family took notice of my East- 
ern Star pin and asked me to call to see her (which I 
did). After a very pleasant hour with her she invited 
me to visit the Chapter on Friday night, saying that 
they were booked for a visit from the Grand Matron on 
that evening. We took advantage of the invitation and 
went; we met with a hearty welcome from them all; 
after the adjournment they served lovely refreshments. 
That was the first Chapter I had ever visited out of my 
own native state, but it was not the last. 

Mrs. Wing and I oft times walked to the pier out at 
Lake Monroe and watched the fishermen haul in the 
fish. Lake Monroe is a very pretty body of water, so 
smooth and placid. The lake helps to form the St. 
Johns River. We remained in San ford for two weeks 
and enjoyed every moment of our stay. When we 
prepared to make our departure it was with a tinge 
of regret, for we had learned to love our dear little 
hostess very much indeed and were loath to leave her. 



CHAPTER XX. 

Our sojourn ended at San ford. We turned our 
faces toward Orlando, arriving there late in the after- 
noon. We certainly fell in love with this exceedingly 
pretty little city, with its fine old oaks and lofty palms 
that make the delightful shade along the streets and 
parks; its lovely flowers, vine-clad walls, with bright 
colored blooms hanging in great profusion and grace, 
surrounded by deep and finely formed lakes. The 
latter lie like mirrors deep down below you. The re- 
flections of the trees and pretty villas that surround the 
lakes are as clear and sharp as though made by an 
artist's brush. The memories of these attractive places 
can never be obliterated from one's mind; no one can 
go away from them without picking up impressions 
that will last, as also the immense orange groves, this 
being in the orange belt. One can never imagine 
without seeing them, the wonderful amount of ripe 
juicy fruit an orange tree can contain; one has to see 
them, gather them off the tree, and eat them at the 
time, still a description would not be equal to them. 

When groves are in full bloom, in March and April, 
the air is filled with the fragrance of the bloom; the 
snowy white petals, showing out among the green 
foliage is a pleasing sight. A pretty contrast of 

145 



146 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

color. The sight of an orange tree in full bloom, 
while not quite so showy as an apple tree in its blooming 
season, still is one to make the onlooker charmed and 
delighted. It must be remembered that the orange 
tree is an evergreen . The soil of Florida seems to be 
especially adapted to the orange and grapefruit though 
other citrus fruit is grown, but not quite so well. Some 
writer has said that it is probable that Spanish ex- 
plorers doubtless dropped the seed that later must 
have sprung up and flourished, for the earliest colonies 
from the states found large groves of wild oranges 
all over the state. I have been informed that the 
citrus fruit will grow anywhere in the state except on 
the marsh and muck land, while the orange and grape- 
fruit are found up to the northern limits of the state, 
still the real home of the tree is in the southern two- 
thirds of the peninsula. I have wandered away from 
the city to an extent so will commence again where I 
left off. 

On Sunday morning, our first time to go to church, 
the sermon was delivered by a visiting minister; 
I well remember his eulogy upon Orlando; he said 
he had his subject fixed, but after beholding the 
beauty and grandeur of the city he would change it, 
to the beauty and grandeur of the Heavenly Mansion, 
and compared the city of Orlando, in his imagination, to 
the Great and beautiful city in the beyond, to which he 
believed it was typical in its perfect beauty. 

We were pleasantly located. A number of very 
sociable people had their meals at the same hotel. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 147 

One evening while in the parlor waiting for the 
announcement of supper, in a pleasant conversa- 
tion with some parties from West Virginia (Harrison 
County), I learned that they lived near Bridgeport. I, 
of course, had become very much interested; asked 
some questions, if they had ever known any of the 
Harmison family. I was informed by a lady that she 
had known them all; that Dr. Late had been their 
family physician and that Mr. Harmison's brother 
Billie married her double cousin. I then began to 
feel that the world was not so large after all, and that 
I had fallen in with home people and not among stran- 
gers. Thereafter we became fast friends; were to- 
gether quite a good bit of the rest of our stay. We 
spent much of our time strolling around the city and 
those charming lakes, until the time for the county 
fair, which was about the middle of February, lasting 
three days. We took in all of it, enjoyed seeing the 
products of the county, which was very good indeed. 
All kinds of vegetables, citrous fruits, as also im- 
proved stock. The hogs that were exhibited were 
good, as also the cows and poultry. There were some 
nice appearing race horses, and the fancy work made 
by some of the ladies, their quilts and other domestic 
productions such as jellies, preserves, all kinds of 
canned goods, were fine. We enjoyed it all very much 
indeed. 

I was not in a hurry to leave Orlando, but we were 
mapped for other points and the Winter was waning, 
so we deemed it necessary to pack up our belongings 



148 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

and move on to the more southern part of the state. 
I had a friend and also she was a distant relative, 
living at Bowling Green, Florida, who wrote us that 
we must be sure to make her a visit before leaving the 
state; that she would not take any excuse. She was 
from Paintsville, one of our own adjoining towns, and 
we appreciated her pressing invitation, and wrote her 
as soon as the county fair was over we would be glad 
to make the visit. Her husband was pastor of the 
Baptist Church at that place. We were glad to think 
of the time when we should have the real pleasure of 
being with them again. 

We had met some lovely people at Orlando who had 
helped to make our stay pleasant; and were loath to 
leave them, but, always remembering that "The best 
of friends have to part," bade them all good-by and 
took our departure for Bowling Green. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

As we were nearing Bowling Green I became more 
anxious each moment to reach our journey's end; my 
cousins were at the station to meet us, and to say it was 
a joyful meeting does not express it, for we were so 
glad to be with them. Bowling Green, at that time, was 
only a very small village, only a few dwelling houses, 
two small stores, a bank, one blacksmith shop and two 
unfinished churches, Methodist and Baptist. No pave- 
ments at all. That has been ten years ago. Many and 
marked have been the changes since then. Good con- 
crete sidewalks now all over the town and some of the 
streets are brick paved, good business houses of brick 
and some very nice dwelling houses; indeed, a pretty 
located little village. A few days of our visit all went 
well, until one morning very early the minister, Mr. 
Martin, fell suddenly ill and for days we thought his 
recovery doubtful. Instead of a week or two's visit 
with them, it extended into about five weeks. We, of 
course, could not think of leaving her at that crucial 
time; she badly needed our help and presence as she 
had to give her whole time at his bedside and the work 
had to be done. After three weeks of intense suffering 
he began to recover. We then commenced to make our 
arrangements to move on. It was then Springtime and 

149 



150 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

our tour had not yet come to an end, but they in- 
sisted that we must remain with them until some of their 
plans that they had mapped out for our pleasure should 
be brought into effect; there was nothing else for us 
to do but acquiesce, and we remained a while longer. 
When he became able to travel, the first place they 
had considered was a trip to Gasparilla Island. It 
is situated three miles out in the Gulf of Mexico. A 
railroad now runs out there and daily trains. Boca 
Grande is the city, which, I presume, by this time has 
about covered all the space of the island. This island 
is noted for its history of the pirate of whom it bears 
its name. The pirate, Gasparillo, many years ago, 'tis 
said, captured and plundered many vessels. After 
taking all the money and other valuables, killing all the 
men aboard, then capturing all the women, taking 
them to this island, he built a large house for them and 
kept them his captives. They, of course, had no way 
of escape and had to remain there. History says he 
stole $17,000,000 of Spanish money from Spanish 
ships and that he had it hidden on this island. There 
are large excavations on this island; people say they 
were dug trying to find the stolen coin, but it has never 
been found. However, after time had elapsed he was 
at last captured and taken to this island and hung in 
the presence of the ladies, and then they all were lib- 
erated. There is a good harbor and some of the large 
ships sail into the port. Plenty of phosphate is being 
shipped from its port. Fish and oysters are numerous, 
too. As the trains pass over the long bridge one can 



HER LIFE AND WORK 151 

look out of the car windows and see numerous fish of 
all sizes and different kinds in the shallow water, swim- 
ming and playing. 

That night after we went to our room at the hotel 
we could hear the angry waves lashing the shore; the 
full moon was shining in all her brilliancy and glory; 
the night appeared too pretty to retire and lose 
sight of the grandeur surrounding it. I donned my 
wrap and we walked out to the beach and watched those 
great, white capped waves as they angrily lashed the 
shore, with such force that the sound reverberated 
throughout the island; these sounds really made me 
feel strange. A feeling I cannot describe; suffice it to 
say it makes one feel how powerless we mortals are and 
how insignificant. We think of the ingenuity of man, 
how great things are, that he is master of, but they 
all sink into insignificance, when compared to the 
great ocean which he is powerless to control. Naturally 
our mind will then revert to Him who walked upon the 
water and calmed the troubled sea ; even the wind and 
waves obey His will, when He commanded the stormy 
deep to be still. Again this scene came to me as food 
for much thought. 

The next morning we four walked down to the beach ; 
there were great heaps of pretty sea shells of all sizes 
and of different shape ; some very tiny and some quite 
large. We gathered a large bundle of them. I wished 
to make a portiere of them to take home with me. I 
said laughingly, "This makes one imagine he has found 
Gasparilla's stolen Spanish coin." I shall always be 



152 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

glad we went to that place ; it was well worth the time 
and money spent. The island is said to be seven miles 
around and three miles wide. We were there two days 
I believe, and explored about all of it. 

A friend of Mr. and Mrs. Martin's came around one 
afternoon in his car and took us to Avon Park, about 
twenty-seven miles from Bowling Green. The road 
ten years ago was not so good as it is at the present 
day. However, we had a delightful trip even if the 
road was rough. Then Avon Park was only a small 
place, a store, a few houses, a large hotel was about 
all I could see. No sidewalks at all; nothing but a 
sandy walk. The last time I was there, about three 
years ago, there was quite a marked change in the place ; 
modern, up-to-date business houses, pretty homes, a 
network of fine pavements and a very attractive and 
pretty little city of no small dimension. 

The March days flew by rapidly and it was now al- 
most April ; the time had now come for us to take our 
departure, although after the patient recovered we had 
a most delightful visit with them. We regretted no 
little to say good-by. In fact, the very thought of 
separating from them brought tears to our eyes; such 
is life. We had a hope of returning in the Fall (which 
we did). There is a maxim used in Florida, that "Once 
sand gets into your shoes you surely will return." 

Tampa being the last place mapped out on our pro- 
gram on Florida sand, we then proceeded in that direc- 
tion, arriving there in due time. The following even- 
ing I was seated on the porch at the hotel in conver- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 153 

sation with one of the guests ; it was almost dark when 
two strange ladies came up and enquired where the 
Masonic Hall was ; the desired information being given 
by the lady, the idea occurred to me that they were 
members of the Order of the Eastern Star. I said, 
"Are you ladies members of the O. E. S. ?" to which 
one answered, "Yes." I then said, "I am, too." They 
then asked me to accompany them to visit the Chapter 
as they understood that it was the regular meeting 
night. I then asked where they were from and they 
said, "from Kentucky." I then asked from what part 
of Kentucky, and they said Owensboro. I responded 
hurriedly, "Owensboro, one of our Grand officers 
lives there, Mrs. Sadie Quigley." She then said, "I'm 
Mrs. Quigley." I then told her I was Josie M. David- 
son, a member of Adah Chapter, Prestonsburg, and 
that I would be glad to accompany them and visit Tam- 
pa Chapter. It seemed good to be with a Kentucky 
friend and sister Star in a strange city. The members 
of Tampa Chapter soon made us feel at home with 
them. Lest I forget to mention it later on, I will here 
say when she became Grand Matron of the State of 
Kentucky, I had the pleasure of entertaining her in 
my Prestonsburg home (when she visited our Chap- 
ter). The Tampa Chapter that night arranged to 
have a turkey supper and invited us all to attend; we 
had a good time that night and a better time the follow- 
ing Friday night at the turkey supper. The next after- 
noon she called around at the hotel and spent the eve- 
ning with us. It was then daylight, and my husband 



154 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

asked me if I remembered one day while we were at 
Orlando he came in from the postoffice and told me that 
he saw such a pretty little woman pass in front of 
the postoffice building; he said she had the real ap- 
pearance of a little Kentucky widow. I then recalled to 
my mind the circumstances, and sure enough it was 
Mrs. Quigley, and she is also a widow, and was in 
Orlando all the time we were, and attended the county 
fair, and we never met there nor knew that we either 
were in the place at the time. 

Rooming across the hall from us was a gentleman 
and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Neff. I soon became very 
fond of her and ofttimes found myself visiting her 
in her apartment. Her face was strangely familiar to 
me. I, of course, knew that I had never seen her be- 
fore, but every time I was in her presence I could not 
help but feel that she was no real stranger, or in other 
words, something drew me to her that I could not in a 
way understand. One day, while in conversation with 
her, I mentioned something about Catlettsburg ; she 
at once asked me if I knew any one at Catlettsburg and 
told me that she had relatives living there, the Browns 
and Hamptons, also others. I then understood where 
the resemblance came from at once, and told her that 
her relatives were friends of mine, and that I had two 
cousins to marry two of her cousins. I then figured out 
the one that she resembled so much (Mrs. McClintock), 
formerly Maggie Brown. Then, again, I was re- 
minded that "the world is not so large after all." Since 
that time ten years have passed and we have been fast 



HER LIFE AND WORK 155 

and devoted friends and make it convenient to visit 
each other occasionally. I find them to be lovely people 
and staunch friends ; they have only one daughter ; she 
then was in college at Deland, but has since married a 
Mr. Smith. 

We were in Tampa about two weeks and, in the lan- 
guage of King David of old, came away saying "My 
lines have fallen in pleasant places." Tampa is one 
of the most beautiful cities in south and west Florida ; 
it is situated upon that beautiful body of water, Tampa 
Bay. The largest of ocean steamers run up this bay 
and into Tampa harbor; ships are built here and it is 
a fine shipping port. After seeing so much of the 
beauties and picturesque grandeur of the state I again 
felt like the Queen of Sheba when she visited King 
Solomon, 'That the half had never been told." I then 
wrote a little poem, describing our tour in a condensed 
form. I give it here in full : 



"A Trip Through a Part of Florida. 

Jacksonville we were first to land, 

The largest city on Florida's sand, 

Its pretty flowers, and growing plants so green, 

As pretty as any we ever have seen. 

In this city a week we spent, 

Thence up St. John's River we went. 

This stream made up with channels and lakes, 

To reach its head, several hours it takes. 



156 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

Lake Monroe loomed up to our view, 
Its water so placid, so still, so blue, 
Soon out on its bosom our vessel sailed, 
And the little town of Enterprise we hailed. 

Lucky San ford, a pretty little city, next we came, 
Noted for celery and lettuce just the same, 
The stately palms, the sulphur springs. 
Here two weeks pleasantly spent with the wings. 

Then to Orlando, beautiful and fair, 

A city of the 'Sunny South/ few can compare, 

Many lakelets around there lies, 

Which afford the fishermen a veritable paradise. 

The fruit so plentiful, the climate so mild, 
Here we remained for quite a while. 
The county fair was very fine, 
The products exhibited were every kind. 

Bowling Green, a little town on the line, 
Nestling among some of Florida's pines. 
To this place next we went, 
It seemed as by Providence we were sent. 

For reasons why I here explain, 
Sickness caused us to remain. 
With helping hands we tried to aid, 
The patient who on his sick bed laid. 

Gasparilla, an isle in Mexico's Gulf, 
Whose waters at times are very rough. 
On this island made by God's unseen hand, 
Is built the little city of Boca Grande. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 157 

The Pirate Gasparilla, whose name this isle bears, 
Many stolen treasures he hid here unawares. 
Tis a legend, the Spanish coin he hid underground, 
Even to this day has never been found. 

Tampa, a city situated on the bay, 
On the west coast of Florida it lay. 
Two weeks a good time there we had, 
When the time to depart made us quite sad. 

Our tour through Florida at Tampa did end ; 
There we had made many a new friend, 
Many we loved, as others we had met, 
As we bade them adieu, with many regrets." 



CHAPTER XXII. 

Just at eleven o'clock the steamship raised anchor and 
steamed slowly away from the Tampa harbor. I stood 
on deck and watched the wharf receding and questioned 
myself, will I ever see the place again? Mr. Neff came 
to the wharf with us and remained until we were off, 
then with a wave of his hand in a last good-by to us. 
Another question arose in my mind, will we ever meet 
again ? When visiting us afterwards he said the same 
thoughts were uppermost in his mind. Soon all that 
could be seen of the receding city was a dim outline of 
the part that lay along the shore, then entirely gone; 
nothing visible to us but the sky and water. We soon 
sailed out in the Gulf of Mexico; when in mid-ocean a 
seasickness took hold of some of the passengers, I be- 
ing a lucky one, seemed exempt from that affliction that 
mars the pleasure of a sea voyage to so many. Fish- 
ing lines were kept in the water on both sides of the 
vessel; the next morning a large jacksnapper fish was 
caught on one of the hooks; it took two men to pull 
it upon deck. It was fine, weighed 45 pounds. The 
cook baked it and made a delicious dressing for dinner 
that day. A number of passengers were fed and had 
enough. 

The second day I began to think we never would have 

158 



HER LIFE AND WORK 159 

an opportunity of seeing any of our friends again for 
we had a dreadful storm at sea. It raged furiously, 
throwing the angry waves entirely over the ship. I 
observed the surging billows come with such force 
and power, rolling until they would strike the steamer, 
break asunder and recede foaming, seething, white- 
capped and again come forward with a lash, which 
seemed as though it would break asunder the ship, 
then one with more force would rush up on it and 
roll entirely over ; it seemed as though we all would be 
engulfed. How powerless I again felt that we were in 
the hands of our Creator; if ever a time calls forth 
for a continued prayer to Him who rules the mighty 
ocean, it is at a time like that. From nine o'clock in 
the morning until two in the afternoon the storm raged 
without ceasing, then a heavy rainfall calmed the sea. 
The ship to an extent ceased its dreadful tossing. Mr. 
Davidson was so seasick that he kept his berth most 
all the voyage, as some others did, I being more 
fortunate. 

Before dark the third day we discovered that the 
blue hue of the water was turning into a muddy color ; 
we then knew the water from the Mississippi River 
and those that were troubled with seasickness began to 
be relieved; sometime during the night we passed 
through the mouth of the river; this I regretted for I 
had always had a desire to see those jetties or walls I 
had read and heard of but when the morning light 
shone we were sailing up the river, to my disappoint- 
ment, but much to be thankful for to thus know we 



160 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

were still living and safe thus far. I had, all my natural 
life, had a great desire for an ocean voyage; I had then 
had it, and an experience also that I never want an- 
other one similar to, although I am glad all occurred 
just as it did and no visible harm to any of the 
passengers on board, except a fright. I now recall 
it with much interest and would be delighted to take 
another if I knew it would remain calm. The remain- 
ing part of the voyage up the river was in daylight. 
I was surprised that New Orleans was so far from the 
mouth of the river, one hundred and three miles. The 
steamer went into New Orleans port about three o'clock 
P.M., after almost four days and three nights. New 
Orleans is one of the grand old cities in the south, very 
beautiful and interesting; has railway connections 
with all the important cities of the United States and 
also an excellent harbor on the Mississippi River. It 
has grown to be the largest center of trade in the 
southern states. "A vast amount of cotton is shipped 
to Europe yearly, valued at almost $100,000,000," it 
also has a large trade in sugar and rice. New Or- 
leans has also had a rapid growth in manufacturing. 
Many interesting things are to be seen around that 
grand old historic city. 

The city of the dead is one of the largest cemeteries 
I have ever been in; the water is so near the earth's 
surface that it makes it impossible for their dead to be 
buried underground, so all the dead are put in sealed 
tombs above the ground. We could have spent days 
in this cemetery and perhaps then failed to see many 



HER LIFE AND WORK 161 

of those tombs. I must say it is a wonderful as well 
as pretty ground. 

One day, while sightseeing in the different streets, 
we came to a pretty little park with beautiful flower 
beds, shrubs and green grass all well kept. A statue 
in the midst, of an old lady in quaint old-time dress 
and apron, the strings tied in a bow, a small breakfast 
shawl, sitting in an old-time splint-bottom chair, her 
hair done up in a quaint little knot on the back of her 
head; all this in perfect sculpture, just as natural as 
life itself, with only one word carved on it, and that 
was ''Margaret." This was somewhat a puzzle to 
us and we made inquiry and learned that years ago a 
good woman lived in the city and was immensely rich, 
and that she spent her whole life and fortune in the 
slums of that city, caring for the poor and the sick who 
were not able to help themselves, and that was the real 
everyday dress that she always appeared in. She 
erected a hospital and home for the orphans; these 
buildings, erected by her hospitality, all stand around 
that little park. After her death the people erected 
this statue to her memory and put it in the park over- 
looking these charitable buildings she had erected for 
the helpless. That was Margaret, only known as 
Margaret. 

We saw in a paper where the steamer, "Queen City," 
was on its way to New Orleans, coming from Pitts- 
burgh, Pennsylvania, with an excursion of Pittsburgh 
people and was due at five o'clock on the coming Satur- 
day. That was just what we most wished for, a trip up 



162 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

the Mississippi River and on a large steamer, and now 
the opportunity to take it in effect. Eleven days were 
spent in that grand old historic city. The coming Sab- 
bath was Easter; the steamboat came in and laid over 
until Monday; we were delighted to have an oppor- 
tunity of staying and seeing how Easter was observed. 
We visited two Catholic churches. I wanted to see the 
Easter decorations and how their religious rites were 
observed on that day. I took it all in. 

The hotel that we were at was kept by a French 
family ; they were very nice and accommodating. New 
Orleans is quite a cosmopolitan city, so we had an 
opportunity to learn some of their customs, ways of 
living, manner of cooking, etc. It is all so different 
from our ways. This was a lesson to me and some 
lessons I shall never forget; things one does not often 
come in contact with in our everyday life. 

The levee along the river was a curiosity to me; I 
would climb to the top and overlook the city, the river 
being above it. I could not feel entirely secure 
as I did in other places. The river, too, at that time 
was at its highest stage; some very heavy rains fell 
while we were there; I was glad when the time came 
for us to move on. Monday, bright and sunshiny, 
came ; the Queen City was scheduled to pull out at five 
o'clock P.M. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 

Promptly at the scheduled time the "Queen City," 
with her load of Pittsburg passengers and others also, 
pulled out from the New Orleans harbor and com- 
menced her sail up the Mississippi River. The view 
was grand; we spent the remaining part of daylight 
sitting out on deck, viewing the interesting scene 
around; the beautiful sunset, its reflection on the water, 
charming colors and delicate tints more beautiful than 
the perfect tints of an artist's brush. The river was 
at high tide, on account of the recent heavy rainfall 
over the surrounding country. They served elegant 
meals; everything to tempt the appetite. The finest 
cook that could be obtained in Pittsburg, in fact every- 
thing to give real comfort and pleasure to their passen- 
gers. When night came on we had some trouble with 
the Mississippi mosquitoes, but as we advanced up the 
river they soon disappeared altogether and we were rid 
of that pest, nothing remaining but a prospect of a 
most enjoyable journey. Music was furnished for the 
voyage by an orchestra on board. The debris was run- 
ning thick and occasionally a large piece would strike 
the boat and disable it, then they would anchor for re- 
pairs. While this was being accomplished we would 
climb upon top of the levee and gather wild flowers, en- 

163 



164 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

joying the ramble immensely, until the whistle would 
remind us that it was time for our return, that the 
steamer was in readiness to resume her journey. 

The first daylight landing was at Vicksburg; this 
place is built on the bluffs of the Mississippi, and is 
said to be one of the important cotton markets on the 
great river; here we had a stop for three hours, thus 
giving us all time for sightseeing. We hired cars and 
drove around the historic battle ground and national 
cemetery. To me this was an unexpected pleasure; a 
place I had never thought would be my good fortune to 
see. It all came about so suddenly I could scarcely 
realize just where we were. A three hours' drive gave 
us time to see quite a good bit of the surrounding 
country around Vicksburg. The next three hours' 
stop was at Memphis. We went for a walk up in the 
city; there was quite a change in the city since 1900, 
when we last visited it, the time I have heretofore 
spoken of. Cairo was the next stop, but nightfall, and 
quite chilly, too, kept us from going up in the city. 
Paducah was the next sto^j but it being early in the 
morning prevented a ramble there. I was again made 
happy by seeing the mountains of our own state loom 
up to view. On the voyage up the Ohio River a cave 
was pointed out to us far up on the side of the moun- 
tain which the robber, John A. Murrel, and some of 
his gang had occupied; it had the appearance of a 
safe rendezvous for such characters. That was below 
Hawsville. In passing the farm owned by my friend 
at Hawsville, where Mrs. Harkins and I visited years 



HER LIFE AND WORK 165 

ago, of which I have spoken in these early pages, I 
went to the top of the boat with a hope of getting a 
glimpse of some member of the family, but was 
doomed to disappointment. The house and evergreen 
trees in the yard looked familiar to me but no sign of 
any one. We had been on this trip eight days, this 
being Monday again. At eleven o'clock that night 
we were landed at the wharf at Louisville safe. We 
were booked for a little visit with our two nephews 
who were in business there, one a dentist and the other 
a physician ; at twelve o'clock that night we found our- 
selves at the hotel. Our breakfast over we then re- 
paired to the office of our nephew, the dentist, now 
Lieutenant A. L. Hill ; also had the other nephew, Dr. 
Davidson, come around and we all passed the day to- 
gether; we had them go to the hotel and take dinner 
with us. After seeing them and spending the day we 
had nothing else to detain us longer at Louisville. 

Again at live o'clock P.M. we boarded the steamer, 
City of Cincinnati, and were off for Cincy; at eight 
o'clock next morning we landed at the Cincinnati 
wharf. I had written my sister and one of our nieces 
the time we expected to arrive at Cincinnati and for 
them to join us there for a few days. They came in 
on the four o'clock P.M. train that same day; that 
was a happy meeting; we had not seen any one from 
our home for several months. We bought our Spring 
goods and did our shopping; another week went 
by like a flash. In the meantime the "Queen City" 
had gone on to Pittsburg and deposited her freight 



i66 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

and returned to Cincinnati. We were apprised of 
the fact and that she would be ready to leave port 
that afternoon; we thought it would be nice for us 
to again take passage and go as far as Catlettsburg 
(which we did) — an eight days* continual journey and 
on the same boat would naturally make one feel very 
much at home — so we shipped our trunks and presented 
ourselves at the wharf, again taking passage. The 
crew, captain, clerk and porter all appeared to be very 
much delighted to see and have us again as their pas- 
sengers ; this time we had added two more to our party, 
my sister and niece, then Lackey Davidson, but now 
Mrs. Roberts. We had good music, as she played 
well; the captain said if we could have had her with us 
while coming up the Mississippi River that the music 
would have been much improved. Suffice it to say we 
again had a most delightful trip, arriving at Catletts- 
burg about i o'clock P.M., having our trunks trans- 
ferred to the station ready for the 4 P.M. train for 
up Sandy. All then went up to see our Cousin Mrs. 
Captain Hopkins and spent the remaining time in 
waiting with them, thence on our journey up the Big 
Sandy for home, after four months' absence. 

We arrived there May 2nd. The following day 
being Sunday and a funeral in the afternoon, I was 
enabled to see many of the home friends at once. 

Two weeks after our return I received a letter writ- 
ten me by a friend, then living in Pikeville but has 
since moved to Oregon. It seemed that the letter was 
written me soon after we left Kentucky for Florida; it 



HER LIFE AND WORK 167 

followed me and went to every postoffice address 
where we received our mail; at Tampa it seemed to 
have lost our trail and slowly begun to retrace its way 
back; we left no directions at Tampa in regard to mail 
matter because of the fact that we did not expect to 
remain long enough in New Orleans to receive any, 
and our friends were apprised of the fact that we were 
on our way home. The Summer was waning and we 
had not seen Andrew since our return from the South ; 
we had learned before leaving Tampa that he had been 
sent from Louisa back to his stepmother's father's 
home on Beaver Creek ; this was good news to us, for 
we were well aware of the fact that he would be kindly 
cared for by her parents, and thereafter our minds 
were more at rest in regard to his welfare. 

It being now the second week in August we had 
been invited to visit some friends on Beaver, Mr. 
Stewart being one that had given us a special invita- 
tion to come and see Andrew. There was to be a big 
meeting up there on Sunday and we took advantage 
of the occasion ; went on train to the mouth of Beaver, 
thence from there we hired a team and driver to take 
us on the rest of the way, so up the creek we went, 
arriving at Mr. Stewart's home. The very first person 
we saw was dear little Andrew standing in the yard; 
he looked so fragile, so emaciated, almost a shadow. 
Of course my crushed heart I could not relieve until 
I gave way to tears in an outburst of grief. He 
stood as one petrified for a while; they had not 
apprised him of our expected visit, and it seemed as 



168 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

though he could not for a while realize what it all 
meant. The family gave us a warm welcome, Andrew's 
father not being at the house at the time, coming in 
after dark. By this time they had given up their 
teaching in the school at Louisa; she was teaching the 
public school at her father's home place. From the 
general appearance of the child we realized the 
situation and knew if something was not speedily done 
for him that it would only be a question of time until 
he would join his mother in the great beyond. Ob- 
serving the situation and realizing its true meaning, 
there was not much sleep for me that night ; in silence 
I watched the rising moon as she slowly pushed her 
way through the leafy screen on the mountain top; 
higher and higher she climbed until her rays fell into 
the valley below, and the drifting mists from the ridge 
became a sea of ghostly light. A weird scene almost 
supernatural in its beauty. This scene was so in keep- 
ing with my troubled heart ; at last, the mists seemed to 
clear away and I fell into a troubled slumber. The 
morning gave promise of a bright day; our thoughts 
being put into action as to what was the best course 
to pursue, we well knew the Stewart family was with 
us into whatsoever we wished, but there was Andrew's 
father who was so obstinate. Well we understood that 
when the subject was brought up a stormy scene would 
ensue. We consulted with our friends, Mr. and Mrs. 
Stewart, and decided to take no steps until Tuesday, 
when our visit with them would be at an end. We 
then asked his father, in a kind manner, to let us bring 



HER LIFE AND WORK 169 

Andrew home with us; he of course as we had ex- 
pected, refused; we then informed him of discoveries, 
which he was not aware that we had any knowledge of, 
and then he relented and did agree very readily. We 
took him home the next day and have had him ever 
since ; that has been nine years ago. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

By and by the summer came to an end, bringing the 
autumn days with the change of the green foliage of 
the trees, and plants to a brilliant gold and crimson, 
and russet brown, while the gray-blue haze that always 
hangs over those high hilltops took a change to a purple 
hue, then changed to a deeper, colder blue, when the 
leaves had fallen and the trees showed naked against 
the approaching Winter sky. 

December now at hand we begun to arrange our 
affairs and make preparations for the Winter again in 
sunny Florida, this time with two extra to accom- 
pany us ; my sister, in failing health, we persuaded her 
to go with us for the Winter. On the 9th of December 
we took our departure, stopping at different places of 
interest and to rest, to again make our appearance in 
the little town of Bowling Green, Florida. The first 
thing we then proceeded to do was to rent a house and 
prepare for housekeeping; this we accomplished with- 
out difficulty, and then we went to the furniture store 
to buy just enough furniture that was necessary; I 
wished to have a complete change in my housekeeping 
and learn how little I could keep house with. We 
purchased a few dollars' worth, a very small wood 
stove, which almost seemed like a toy stove, when all 

170 



HER LIFE AND WORK 171 

my life I had been accustomed to cooking on a large 
coal range, the novelty of the great change was en- 
chanting; I really felt as though I was young again 
and just starting out in life. This of course did not 
last a great while. There was not much work to do 
and with so little to do a complete rest awaited me. 
We purchased a large orange grove just a mile from 
Bowling Green. This was the link, as well as the love, 
that had sprung up in my heart for the good, kind 
people of the town that connected the link that bound 
us here and lengthened the chain for nine years. 

In January our niece and husband, also little girl, 
joined us for the rest of the Winter ; this indeed made 
a very pleasant home party, seven then in number ; we 
all lived together and had a happy time. In February 
we were fortunate enough to secure a better residence, 
one that had the comfort of a fireplace. We then made 
our first move, which was but little trouble, as we had 
but little to transfer. I will here say that was the first 
move, but not our last. We were then more pleasantly 
situated and all seemed to enjoy the Winter exceed- 
ingly. Andrew now had a nice little playmate and they 
spent most of their time out in the sunshine; just what 
they most needed. Andrew began to improve in health 
and to grow a little. 

At that time Bowling Green was noted only for its 
good and generous people, a very healthy place and 
mild climate. At that period not much improve- 
ment in progress, it being a comparative new place; 
there has been much improvement since though. Thus, 



172 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

the Winter went by and the Spring came again, 
with its soft beauty of tender, new green leaves, dress- 
ing up the trees afresh, its wealth of early blossoms 
and sweet fragrance of growing plants. 

The Grand Chapter of the Eastern Star of Florida 
was arranged to assemble at Jacksonville early in April ; 
my Cousin Mrs. Martin was appointed to represent the 
Bowling Green Chapter in the Grand Chapter; she 
accepted the honor and went; I with her, as I then 
had two good housekeepers to leave in charge, my 
sister and niece, Mrs. Garnett. With nothing to think 
of but have a good time. A number of O. E. S. 
members at each station was added and by the time 
we reached our destination we had formed a lot of 
new acquaintances. It was a very interesting session 
as well as instructive. This was the first time I had 
ever had the privilege of attending a Grand Chapter 
out of my own state and I was desirous to see and 
learn if there was any difference in conducting the 
affairs of the different states; I found them similar 
to ours. We were there three days ; after the adjourn- 
ment we stayed a day longer, so as to visit the places 
of interest; those were happy days; I recall them with 
many pleasant memories; green spots that will always 
remain fresh and sweet. 

The next morning we turned our faces and attention 
towards home; we had an uneventful journey back 
and found upon our return that all had gone well in 
our absence. April soon flitted away and May came, 
reminding us that the time was now approaching for 



HER LIFE AND WORK 173 

us, like the birds, to make preparations for a 
cooler clime, and turned our faces towards our Ken- 
tucky home, after storing our household goods. We 
then left Bowling Green the first week in May, spend- 
ing a day or two at Jacksonville. One day we went 
out to the Ocean Beach and took an ocean bath in the 
Atlantic; the two children were perfectly overwhelmed 
with delight at the sight of the great deep blue sea; 
the scene was so enchanting to them they scarcely 
knew what to do with themselves. It was a glorious 
day; so wonderful for those who had never before 
seen the great ocean; it went by all too soon, and we 
had, of course, to go back to the city when the time 
was up for the little train to leave that was to carry 
us back. 

The following day we left Jacksonville for Cincin- 
nati. It was necessary for Andrew's eyes to have the 
attention of a specialist, so we remained in Cincinnati 
for several days to have them undergo a thorough 
examination and treatment; his eyes were condemned 
to glasses and he has worn them ever since and, I pre- 
sume, will have to wear them all his natural life. The 
latter part of May we found ourselves at home where 
much Spring work awaited me; such a housecleaning 
and I had quite a lot of visitors during that Summer 
and Fall. I cannot now recall anything of much in- 
terest that occurred during our stay at home. The 
approach of Fall again was a gentle reminder that the 
time was drawing near for us to get ready for our 
journey back south. It was in November that we took 



174 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

our departure. We had planned for a little visit at 
Louisa with some friends and relatives that were 
growing old, and we realized that they could not live 
but a short time and perhaps it would be the last time 
we would ever meet this side of eternity (and, it was) ; 
they have since gone to their other home. We spent 
a few days in Cincinnati shopping and thence again we 
were on our way to the Sunny South. We stopped at 
Chattanooga for a few days to take in the sights of that 
old historical city, which is so famous on account of 
the scenes in connection with the late Civil War. 
When we were in Chattanooga in 19 10 we were pre- 
vented from seeing any of the points of interest on 
account of being kept in the hotel by a downpour of 
rain all the time we were there; now an opportunity 
offered itself and we took advantage of it. We hired 
a touring car and the morning was spent in driving 
around Chickamauga Park, Missionary Ridge, the 
Cemetery and all those famous points of interest sur- 
rounding the city. While in Chickamauga Park we 
climbed to the top of General Wilder's monument and 
had a good view of the country from the tower. 
Andrew took it all in with the interest of a man. Fin- 
ishing the morning's tour we then went back to the 
hotel; after dinner another famous place was mapped 
out for the afternoon's pleasure. The trip upon 
Lookout Mountain; dinner served, and we again were 
off for the mountain. We decided we wanted to go 
up the incline on the car because of the novelty; a 
wait for a few moments in the little station until the 



HER LIFE AND WORK 175 

car came down, then we were seated, starting for 
an experience not offered to one in a lifetime; up, 
up we went, our faces looking downward, the little 
station growing smaller and smaller to our view until 
it appeared almost as small as a bird cage, then was 
lost to our view. The thought occurred to me that we 
must be almost to the top; I then turned in my seat 
and looked upward; we were in a spot almost per- 
pendicular; indeed it looked almost frightful and still 
the top could not be seen; I was much relieved when 
the top was reached and again we stepped out of the 
little car. A guide was engaged by the explorers and 
conducted us around and explained all the interesting 
things to us. He took us to the many famous places 
and showed us a high point on which, when a clear 
day, one could see into seven states, but that after- 
noon was so smoky that we could not see very far into 
the distance. At the base of the mountain is a small 
city, St. Elmo, in which Mrs. Augusta Evans Wilson 
wrote her famous novel St. Elmo, and the place was 
named for the book. There was so much to be seen 
and was food for thought. How I wish I could re- 
member it all; then the thought came to me of the 
battle fought and the many brave boys that fell, the 
suffering and anxiety, the poor heart broken wives and 
mothers that were left to mourn. How they ever 
ascended to the top of that mountain and how a battle 
could be fought on such a rough place, but now there 
are several convenient ways ; a nice broad highway for 
cars, a little trolley line and street cars as also the 



176 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

incline I have just mentioned. We went to a spring 
gushing out from the mountain side and had a refresh- 
ing drink. It would be impossible for me to recall all 
those different, interesting points and scenes that were 
pointed out, as I took no notes at the time, not 
thinking that I ever would have an occasion to use 
them. There was so much that my mind could not 
grasp it all at seeing it only once. We concluded to 
go down as we had come up, on the incline. That was 
a day I gathered much knowledge of the great and 
wonderful things that surround that place. The day 
was then far spent when we landed at the base of the 
mountain ; no time for further sightseeing as sun had 
set and the twilight now begun. By the time we got 
back to our hotel it was time for our evening meal and 
we were weary enough from our day's traveling about 
to rest for the remaining part of the evening and to 
retire early. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

Returned to Bowling Green again and we were very 
lucky indeed to procure one of the best houses in the 
place for the coming winter, so in a few days we were 
pleasantly located; the house being quite large for 
only three persons we had an opportunity to let some of 
the rooms to a young married couple. That made it 
quite lively and pleasant for us all. By this time we 
were getting accustomed to living in the same building 
with other families, and learning to like it. 

One day I was walking up street when Mr. Minor, 
the cashier of the Bank of Bowling Green, driving 
along in his car, called to me, stopping his car; I 
observed there were others in the car with him. What 
strange fates we mortals sometimes meet with. "The 
unexpected always happens," and as I stepped up to 
the car he said, "Here is an old acquaintance of yours." 
I looked and who should it be but Mr. Lowe of Bridge- 
port, West Virginia, the lifelong friend of my first 
husband's family, and the same gentleman who was 
so kind as to come out to Huntington and be with us 
in our bereavement, when Mr. Harmison died; I had 
not seen him for years. Mr. Minor was originally 
from West Virginia and came to Bowling Green from 
Clarksburg; he also was an old friend of Mr. Lowe's. 

177 



178 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

I was delighted to see and renew our old acquaintance. 
He has for years, and still spends his winters in 
Orlando. Each successive spring he makes a short 
visit to Mr. Minor's family and we enjoy having him 
with us. He usually spends a day and dines with me. 
For an elderly gentleman we find him to be one of the 
most entertaining and interesting men I have ever met ; 
very brilliant. We take delight in conversing with 
him. While calling one afternoon our conversation 
drifted to coincidences. As well as I remember, he 
took from his pocket a large envelope and drew from it 
a typewritten package and read it to us, in which was 
typewritten a chain of remarkable coincidences; these 
coincidences seem so strange and knowing all to be 
facts and in connection with his own life, too, I have 
decided to add them in this, my history. I am sure 
all readers will be much interested and, in his words, 
I herein record them. 



AN UNEXPECTED MEETING AND A REMARKABLE SERIES 
OF COINCIDENCES. 

"Truth is stranger than fiction." I hesitate to set 
down the following facts simply because they are facts 
but feel that the incidents here narrated and the co- 
incidences revealed by them are not only easily substan- 
tiated, but are worthy of preservation. Let the reader 
be the judge. On the twenty-third day of September, 
1 91 8, I happened to be in the little town of Bridgeport, 
West Virginia, on business. Bridgeport is situated 



HER LIFE AND WORK 179 

on the old northwestern turnpike and the Baltimore 
& Ohio Railroad, five miles east of the city of Clarks- 
burg. My business took me to the eastern suburbs of 
Bridgeport, and as I came to the intersection of the 
Boothsville and the County Road with the Northwest- 
ern turnpike, near the old brick Church, I saw a Ford 
automobile standing in the road, the occupants appar- 
ently awaiting my approach. When I drew near, one 
of the occupants, an elderly gentleman, asked me which 
road led to Clarksburg ; from his appearance and ques- 
tion I judged that he was a stranger to the neighbor- 
hood, as well as myself, and I took pains to give him 
full directions. He thanked me, and then in a manner 
devoid of offense asked me, "Where do you live?" 
I replied, "I live in Shimston." "What is the name 
of the town ahead?" "Bridgeport," I told him. "Do 
you know a gentleman named John Lowe who lives 
in or near Bridgeport?" This was getting a trifle 
personal on the part of a total stranger and besides 
I thought it my turn to ask questions. I said, "Were 
you ever acquainted with John Lowe?" "Yes," he 
replied, "In the winter of 1854 and 1855, sixty-three 
years ago. The John Lowe I have in mind and I went 
to school together at Georgetown, Lewis County." I 
then asked him if he had been making an automobile 
trip through some of the Eastern States. He replied, 
"My son and I have been visiting one of my grandsons 
who is in military service at Camp Lee, Virginia, and 
are on our way home, having returned by way of 
Washington, Cumberland, Keyser, Fellowville and 



180 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

Grayson, and are thus far on our way to Clarksburg." 
I further asked him where his home was. He said he 
lived at Georgetown on Little Skin Creek, Lewis 
County, West Virginia. I then asked him if his name 
was Percy C. Yoke; he said it was, and then in an 
agitated voice, betraying much emotion he exclaimed, 
"Who are you, and what is your name?" I replied, 
"I am John Lowe about whom you were inquiring." 
The effect of my reply was quickly manifested; in an 
instant, although well advanced in years, he was out 
of the automobile and had me in his embrace, pound- 
ing me on the back in the exuberance of his joy; my 
own gratification was no less than his. It is not often 
we meet near and dear friends after a lapse of sixty- 
three years. After the first transport of our unexpected 
meeting was over and we exchanged mutual inquiries 
as to one another's health and welfare, we found a 
comfortable seat and began the renewal of an acquaint- 
ance and friendship which was founded years before 
the Civil War. Our early friendship was partly the 
result of somewhat unusual circumstances. We both 
were born on the same day, April 12th, 1839; we were 
of the same height, and apparently of about the same 
weight. Our tastes were similar. These things seemed 
to form a sort of bond between us and cemented our 
friendship even in the early days of our acquaintance. 
In boyhood we were chums, always in close association 
in school and out. We sat on the same bench and 
recited the same book and chapter. Out of school we 
were always together whenever opportunity would 



HER LIFE AND WORK 181 

permit. Ofttimes we helped each other with work or 
chores and were always boon companions in play or 
sport, and we were always devoted to one another's 
welfare. I cannot account for our strong and unvary- 
ing friendship, unless it was due to our marvelous 
equality in physical and mental make-up. In many 
respects we were more alike than is usual with twins 
and the laws of nature and our being seemed to make 
us nearer than brothers. After we talked a while and 
resumed our old acquaintance, I remarked to him: "I 
infer from what you said when we met a while ago 
that you are married and have a family." His reply 
was to the point. He said, "I was married on the 8th 
of November, 1862, to a Miss Higginbothem of 
Buckhannon, West Virginia. We had born to us six 
children, four sons and two daughters. Five of them 
grew to manhood and womanhood and married. The 
youngest child, a daughter, died young. My wife died 
April 14th, 1 89 1, from the effects of la grippe, which 
developed into pneumonia fever. We have fifteen 
grandchildren, ten grandsons and five granddaughters, 
all living save the youngest granddaughter. I make 
my home with my oldest son and reside on the farm 
that I lived on in my boyhood. So much for my 
married life. In turn what have you to report?" I 
replied as follows: "I was married on the 6th day of 
November, 1862, to a Miss Higginbothem of Greens- 
burg, Pennsylvania; we had born to us six children, 
four sons and two daughters; five grew to manhood 
and womanhood and married. The next to the young- 



182 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

est child, a daughter, died young. My wife died April 
9th, 1 89 1, from the effects of la grippe, which devel- 
oped into pneumonia fever. My second child, a son, 
died May 6th, 19 18. We have sixteen grandchildren, 
eleven grandsons and five granddaughters, all living 
save the third granddaughter. I make my home with 
my oldest son, through late Spring, Summer, and early 
Fall, at Shimston, W. Va., and spend my Winters in 
southern Florida." We found as our conversation 
proceeded that this remarkable similarity in personal 
family history still continued. Each of us had seven 
grandsons who have been drafted into military service 
of the United States for the great war; each has a 
grandson somewhere in France. In religious faith we 
are both Baptist; in politics both are Jeffersonian 
Democrats. We both are members of the Masonic 
Fraternity. As to vocation both are farmers of the 
old school and both wear the emblem of the Patrons 
of Husbandry and, as our ages would indicate, both 
have impaired hearing and eyesight. Can a more re- 
markable instance of personal and family similarities 
and coincidences be found in the United States? I 
doubt it. 

In the Spring and Summer of 1855 I was employed 
as a clerk in my brother's store in Georgetown, Lewis 
County, West Virginia. This dear friend of mine, 
Perry C. Yoke, who checks up against me like another 
domino on every point of comparison, lived about one- 
half of a mile from the town. Notwithstanding the 
distance, we were together practically every day; we 



HER LIFE AND WORK 183 

just seemed to rub against each other on every oc- 
casion, so much so that our other associates called us 
the "Siamese Twins." 

One night in October of the same year we were at 
an * 'Apple cutting" in the neighborhood where my 
friend has lived so long. The apple cutting continued 
until a late hour and in the small hours of morning we 
bade each other farewell, and never again saw each 
other until we met in the road at Bridgeport, West 
Virginia, September 23, 191 8, nearly sixty-three years 
from the time we parted. 

John Lowe. 

I will here say that a short time since, about three 
or four weeks ago he was with us looking fine. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

Thus the Winter drifted away and nothing else of 
much interest occurred during the fleeting time. Spring 
had again come; in the early part of April my Cousin, 
Mrs. Martin, again was honored by her O. E. S. Chap- 
ter and sent as a delegate to represent the Bowling 
Green Chapter. I went with her the second time. 
Our trip up to Jacksonville was about the same as the 
Spring before, nothing occurring out of the ordinary. 
We had a nice time as we always do at those large 
assemblies, meeting up with old friends and forming 
new acquaintances. 

The time was almost at hand for us to start back to 
our Kentucky home, when one evening Andrew was 
across the street playing with his little friends and 
neighbors, when their little dog bit him. The next 
morning the same dog bit another little boy. This 
was alarming and the dog was killed and his head sent 
to Jacksonville to the Pasteur Institute, and upon ex- 
amination it was found to be mad. We were notified 
by wire. This of course almost prostrated me ; I was 
nearly frantic. The father of the boy, my husband, 
also both of the children at once boarded the train for 
Jacksonville, taking the boys out to the institute. After 
consultation it was found that it was not necessary 

184 



HER LIFE AND WORK 185 

for the boys to remain in the hospital for treatment, 
but could have our home physician, Dr. Crum, ad- 
minister the treatment just as well and we have them 
at home. I was so uneasy, the strain upon my nerves 
was terrible. This necessitated our stay to be pro- 
longed for twenty-one days longer, as the treatment 
had to be given twenty-one times. After the last of 
the treatment was given we were then ready and off, 
this being in May. A few miles north of Jack- 
sonville we found ourselves in a wreck, but no injury 
save to the engine. This brought about a delay of 
several hours; they seemed to have some difficulty in 
removing the disabled engine from the track. For- 
tunately there was a work train a few miles in the 
rear. They brought the engine from it and pulled the 
train back to a little station, Fargo. This was not 
at all agreeable to be sidetracked in the hot sun on a 
hot day in May for so many hours but we were 
thankful it was no worse. That kept us from 
going into Macon, Georgia, on scheduled time. We 
had planned to spend the night there. Nevertheless 
we arrived in time for a little rest before the train 
came in that we were to resume our journey on to 
Chattanooga. When there we rested until the next 
day, thence on our way homeward bound. When 
taking a retrospective view of those trips for ten suc- 
cessive years it appears to be one continued routine of 
go, go, and one might think there was not much else 
being accomplished. Though I really like it, still we 



1 86 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

work and neglect nothing that pertains to our personal 
welfare. 

I had been home only a few days when I had an- 
other great shock that almost finished me. It was 
early in the morning, just light, I was aroused by a 
continual ringing of the doorbell ; realizing that some- 
thing had happened I rushed downstairs to find the 
cause of the alarm ; the messenger brought the dreadful 
news that my sister's daughter (Mrs. Maggie May) 
had just been found dead in her bed ; she had gone to 
her room to retire about ten o'clock the night before, 
apparently in perfect health. The shock after others 
I had sustained in life almost wrecked my nerves. As 
time fades away memories bring pictures, either gay or 
sad. Some of these pictures have been impressed on 
my memory and bring sad thoughts that I can never 
describe, for they are beyond description, and that is 
one of the many sad memories. 

I will turn to thoughts that are more cheerful. My 
husband's nephew, Joe M. Davidson, one of the 
cashiers of the Bank Josephine at home, was a friend 
of Dr. Stucky, a fine surgeon of Louisville, Kentucky. 
On Christmas he sent the doctor one of the bank 
calendars, which was very pretty. Dr. Stucky then 
wrote him asking him to send one of the calendars to 
a friend of his living in Johnson City, Tennessee, 
saying he was one of the best friends he ever had and 
that the address was "J ames A. Martin, Johnson City, 
Tenn." Our nephew proceeded to grant the request 
and rolled one of the prettiest ones and wrapped it in 



HER LIFE AND WORK 187 

a large envelope with the Bank's lettering. The cal- 
endar, by some means fell from the wrapping. The 
calendar came back to the bank and the covering went 
on to James A. Martin. Of course he was somewhat 
puzzled to know what it had contained, and there being 
no other way to find out, he at once wrote to the bank 
for the necessary information, saying that he at one 
time had an uncle living in Prestonsburg, but knew 
he was dead and made inquiry concerning his family, 
requesting some of the officials of the bank to write 
him. Joe mentioned the circumstances in my presence. 
I then asked him if he or any of the others had written 
him. He said that they were so busy and through lack 
of time he had neglected it. I then told him if he would 
give me the letter that I would respond and save him 
the trouble. I at once came to the conclusion that he 
was my cousin, and the son of one of my father's 
brothers. I knew that this uncle had lived in Johnson 
City but was dead and his family was living there 
still, and that was all I ever had any knowledge of 
them. Joe told me the first time I came to the bank 
to remind him of it and he would give it to me. I 
never happened to think of it and consequently neg- 
lected to get it, so time went by. 

The late Autumn again found us in our Florida home 
domiciled in the same large house that we lived in the 
previous winter, but with a different young married 
couple; instead of Mr. and Mrs. Blockson Bailey we 
had with us Mr. and Mrs. Halley Strickland, and 
another pleasant Winter with these splendid young 



188 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

people. We all became very much attached to each 
other and the very best of friends today. 

Some time, however, had elapsed since I had prom- 
ised myself that I would write my Cousin James A. 
Martin, at Johnson City, but one is so prone to neglect, 
even when their intentions are good. I then proceeded 
to carry my intention into effect. Feeling almost posi- 
tive that he had never heard of one of his cousins that 
was as obscure and insignificant as myself, I resolved 
to introduce myself to him in the form of a letter. I 
then wrote him and gave the information as well as 
I could of all our relatives that I was in possession of. 
In a very few days I was the recipient of an answer 
to my letter which was indeed very interesting, giving 
me much information concerning relatives I had never 
had any knowledge of or even of their existence. He 
said that his mother was still living, and in good health 
comparatively, and that she lived in Johnson City, too. 
I had no knowledge of an aunt that was living until 
then. I really supposed that they were all dead. I 
then began to devise some plan to see her and later 
on I will speak of how I carried those resolutions into 
effect. Thus, this beginning of our acquaintance has 
proved to be the means of many pleasant and delightful 
associations, a little later on, and it all came about by 
a Bank Calendar. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

In the meantime the novelty of keeping house on 
so small a scale and renting houses wore off. I came 
to the conclusion that I wanted something better, and 
realizing the fact that we were here to stay at least half 
of the year, we purchased a convenient little new cot- 
tage and consequently another move was made. This 
move was more encouraging. Then we began to add 
to our household effects and do real housekeeping. I 
have found lovely neighbors wherever we have lived, 
thus making me feel very much at home with them all. 

Just after our arrival the first of December, found 
my Cousin, Mrs. Martin, in declining health, and in 
two days after our return, she was confined to her bed, 
and was never out again. She crossed the river and 
joined her loved ones on the other side. Like a fully 
ripe sheaf of wheat, she was gathered with her loved 
ones and with her Master. Her remains were shipped 
to Paintsville, Kentucky, and laid to rest by the side of 
her first husband in the Paintsville Cemetery. This 
was a painful parting to me. We had been companions 
during our sojourn in Bowling Green. For a while 
I felt that I could not live without her, I was so lonely 
and sad, but God has foreordained that these plans of 

189 



igo JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

His must be borne, and that time only can erase them. 
If it were not so how miserable we all would be. 

The Sabbath School has always been my special 
hobby. I have never neglected my duty to the Sunday 
School since my earliest recollection. I have since the 
age of sixteen, had a class almost continually. Since 
our half of each year of living in Bowling Green I 
have had a class almost continuously. This of course 
keeps me near home when the Sabbath is drawing near. 

The Spring of that year approaching, I received a 
letter from my Cousin, Mrs. Hopkins, of Catlettsburg, 
Ky. She was visiting some friends in North Florida. 
I at once wrote her to visit us before leaving the State. 
She came the first of March and remained until the 
first of April. So pleasantly was the month spent 
that it went by hurriedly and was gone all too soon. 
That was a pleasant visit, and memories arise that 
give me great pleasure. It was the last visit she ever 
made us in life; that was four years ago. She 
left Bowling Green for Atlanta to visit a cousin of 
ours living there. After two or three weeks our stay 
was over and we were ready to take our departure for 
Kentucky. 

On our way to Jacksonville we discovered that 
Andrew was breaking out with chickenpox. Of course 
we were somewhat anxious about him ; thought it best 
to remain in Jacksonville for a few days to learn the 
result, but he had no bad effects at all. We then hired 
a touring car and went for a drive to St. Augustine, 
as we had never been there. Other parties at the hotel 



HER LIFE AND WORK 191 

were desirous of taking the trip too, so we had just a 
car full of passengers. It was such a delightful 
automobile trip; twenty-seven miles from the city 
of Jacksonville to St. Augustine, a fine brick highway. 
St. Augustine is the oldest city in the United States. 
The old city gates, the fort and the sea wall still stand 
with their historical associations. In contrast and in- 
terest to those are the magnificent buildings, Ponce 
De Leon Hotel, and other new and elegant modern 
buildings. It is a favorite resort. It is the site of the 
State School for the blind, deaf and dumb. We saw 
the oldest house in the United States, drove around all 
parts of the city. The ancient part of the place is 
quaint; the streets are very narrow, but short. Two 
vehicles could not well pass each other. The more 
modern part is quite pretty and attractive; the lawns 
beautifully kept. The beautiful vineclad walls, pretty 
flower beds, and all kinds of tropical plants are very 
pleasing to the observer. We then were driven to the 
old fort and with a guide to explain in full detail the 
places of interest and the past history of the old 
Spanish Fort. We were wonderfully entertained. He 
guided us through those old dark dungeons, which are 
now lighted with electricity. Oh! those dismal cells 
and to think of the many living creatures, human 
beings, entombed there, gives one the shivers. In 
order to impress upon us the dense darkness of those 
horrible cells or dungeons he turned off the lights. 
Oh ! Icy horrors how dreadful. I am glad that mode of 
punishment to criminals has been abandoned. Those 



192 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

openings at the entrance of the dungeons are so low 
that one has to almost crawl through. I could hear the 
feathers on my hat breaking as I entered those open- 
ings. I then realized my hat was getting "the worse 
for the wear" and when we came out and went upon 
the top of the great wall that surrounds the inclosure, 
a gust of wind blew and away went my hat's feathers 
like picking a goose. I was then in for a new hat or 
else have repairs to the old one, but I realized the fact 
that it was well worth the expense of the needed repair 
to have had the opportunity of seeing this historical old 
place, for a Winter spent in Florida is not complete 
without a visit to St. Augustine. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

After taking in the different routes that we had 
traveled from Kentucky to Florida and back we con- 
sidered the situation and learned there was only one 
route left that we had not traveled and that was 
through North and South Carolina, so we decided to 
make the journey over that route and stop off at John- 
son City, Tenn., and hunt my cousins and form a 
personal acquaintance with them, consequently our 
plans were made for the trip through that part of the 
country we had never traveled. 

Leaving Jacksonville in the early morning we 
stopped off at Columbia for a rest and have an oppor- 
tunity to visit the points of interest in and around the 
Capital City. The first thing I proceeded to do was 
to find a millinery store and have my hat repaired, that 
had met with disaster at the old fort at St. Augustine. 
Of course I could not appear before my new found 
cousins with any defects in my wearing apparel. After 
the necessary repairs we first went to the Capitol 
Building in which were many and interesting relics 
of the Civil War. We were much interested for sev- 
eral hours in this building. We then took a street car 
for a long ride around the city. The next morning we 
resumed our journey. 

i93 



194 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

I recall to my mind those mountain views, so pic- 
turesque, so grand ; the train ascending gradually until 
the top of that mountain is reached. Upon viewing 
those high mountains one is again impressed with the 
majestic handiwork of our Lord, as also we are 
impressed with the ingenuity of man. The road winds 
in and on around those mountains ; one place for many 
miles it winds and forms a most perfect horseshoe, 
thus giving the passengers a complete view of both 
sides of the mountains. Gazing down into those 
chasms the appearance is frightful in the extreme. 
Three tunnels can be looked through at one view. Mt. 
Mitchell is a station and is on the highest peak of the 
Black Mountain. Black Mountain contains other 
peaks, the highest east of the Rocky Mountains. There 
are broad forest slopes and clear streams of water, all 
forming pretty scenery. Mt. Mitchell, the highest 
peak, and of the Appalachian System, is just eighteen 
miles from Ashville, North Carolina. Along the rail- 
road track in North Carolina I could see a sparkling 
substance mingled in the sand or dirt, a dazzling 
brilliancy; for a few moments I was puzzled as to 
what it could be. I soon observed an opening in the 
hillside. Then it occurred to me that we were in the 
region of the mica mines of North Carolina and it was 
bits of mica sparkling in the sunshine. We passed by 
Biltmore, the resort, and possession of the Vanderbilts, 
a large place of magnificent grounds and great beauty, 
and going into Johnson City at nine o'clock P.M. 
stopping at the Windsor Hotel. Nature it seems has 



HER LIFE AND WORK 195 

lavished her gifts all along this region. Wild wood- 
land, crystal water, gorgeous canyons and sparkling 
cascades. Even the next morning when seated at the 
breakfast table while waiting for the waiter to bring 
in our morning meal, I raised my eyes and looked out 
at the dining room window; a pretty mountain scene 
met my gaze. Just back of that hotel dining room a 
sparkling cascade flowing down the mountain side and 
at its base a crystal stream was formed from it in 
which some children were enjoying its clear water, 
playing and wading in it. I exclaimed, "How beautiful 
the scene !" Breakfast being over I then called up my 
Cousin James Martin, introducing myself to him over 
the phone, it being Sunday morning he was just 
starting to his Sunday School. We went for a 
walk, before going to the church. We then went into 
the Methodist Church and heard a good sermon. The 
church was very pretty and comparatively new. He 
called at the hotel to see us as soon as it was convenient 
and took us to his home for the afternoon, this being 
the first time I had ever met any of them. I found 
them to be an elegant family; there was an air of re- 
finement and culture in their surroundings. They had 
a lovely, commodious home on Main Street ; everything 
was so inviting, and in fact made me feel that I was 
glad to make the acquaintance of such lovely relatives. 
Their son and two daughters, who had been to 
Bristol for the day, came in before our return to the 
hotel and in their car. They then had us go for a 
drive and see the city. Then around the pretty 



196 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

grounds and buildings of the old Federal Soldiers' 
Home. This Home for the old soldiers cost the Gov- 
ernment over $1,000,000.00 Thus the evening was 
delightfully spent. They insisted that we should spend 
the rest of our stay with them but as we were not pre- 
pared to make a visit, and contemplated leaving in the 
early morning, we begged off with a promise of mak- 
ing them a visit some time in the early future, which 
we carried out later on, and the Bank Josephine calen- 
dar brought it all about. Thus our first, but not our 
last visit to Johnson City came to an end with pleasant 
memories. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

In my early childhood I had heard much of the 
wonderful scenery at the Breaks of the Big Sandy 
River, long before there ever was a thought of a rail- 
road being made through that part of our country, and 
that day I was to pass through and have the long 
wished for opportunity of viewing it for myself, as 
one must see it to comprehend. We purchased our 
tickets for Elk Horn City, where we had to change 
cars for the C. & O. division. The road was new, hav- 
ing been completed but a short while. As we ap- 
proached the Breaks, the scenery began to show up so 
forcibly that all of us expectantly threw open the car 
windows. Amidst those mountain scenes, unsur- 
passed in beauty and splendor, beneath those rugged 
rocks whose magnitude is unmatched, lies one of 
nature's greatest marvels of creation. No description 
can give any adequate idea of their towering majesty, 
much less of their grandeur and beauty: their rugged 
heights commanding sublime views and wonderful in 
their mountain splendor, over-hanging cliffs, sawtooth 
ridges and deep slashed canyons, forested slopes, clear 
smooth running streams twining through forested 
vales, a region of zigzag trail. The trail continues 
along the headwaters of one fork of the Big Sandy 
River, its narrow gorges in places breaking against the 

197 



198 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

rugged rocks. This was one of the most sublime 
scenes and I doubt if nature ever produced a scene 
more enchanting and wonderful. In fact, that was a 
grand trip and one I have often wished to have an 
opportunity of taking. 

A few weeks after our return home I received a 
letter from my Cousin, Mrs. Hopkins, of Catlettsburg, 
reminding me of my promised visit with her, one that I 
had made before she left my home in Florida, saying 
that Chautauqua would convene there and she wanted 
me to come at that time so we could enjoy it together. 
I at once made my arrangements to grant her request. 
We attended each session and enjoyed it immensely; 
she always took an interest in things like that which 
was surprising for one of her advanced age, and was as 
active as a girl. She was possessed with a wonderful 
vitality, active both in body and mind. The Chau- 
tauqua closed. I then told her that I must return home 
on the morning train. She insisted and entreated me 
to remain a few days longer with her. Oh ! if I could 
have lifted the veil and looked into the future I would 
have listened and granted her entreaties; the thought 
never occurred to me that it was the last time I ever 
would see her in this life. Not two weeks had passed 
after I left her so buoyant, so full of energy and life 
when another terrible shock awaited me. We had re- 
tired for the night. I was awakened by a 'phone 
message that she was dead; had fallen a victim to 
paralysis at the hour of ten Saturday morning, sur- 
viving the shock only a few hours, when her spirit 



HER LIFE AND WORK 199 

winged its flight into the Great Beyond at 7:30 P.M. 
Being notified later that the funeral was to be Monday 
afternoon, I was on my journey back to Catletts- 
burg, accompanied by my husband and other rela- 
tives and friends of hers. A sad journey it was 
for me. I was crushed and wondered how many more 
shocks I would have strength to endure, and if it could 
be possible that I could endure many more. I then 
realized the fact that God puts nothing upon us that 
we cannot bear. He has given me strength to endure 
all so far. 

She lay in the spacious parlor of her pretty home 
amid an embankment of flowers, wreathed in every 
conceivable design. For the last time I gazed on her 
sweet face, all that was mortal so cold, so silent, so 
dear to me. A consoling thought darted through my 
mind, that she had rejoined her loved ones who had 
gone before in that world where sorrow is not known 
and friends never part, and that I, too, sometime soon 
or late, would join her in that clime where death comes 
not and the weary are at rest. The funeral was con- 
ducted at her commodious home and her remains were 
laid to rest in the Ashland Cemetery beside her hus- 
band, the Captain, who had preceded her four years 
before. I returned that same evening to my home with 
a saddened heart, for I had lost one of my dearest rela- 
tives. In fact a devoted sister as such she was to me. 
Thus passed from earth one of the most lovable and 
brilliant women that it has ever been my privilege of 
knowing. 



200 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

The remaining part of the Summer went by and the 
coming in of September, bringing another sad death, 
my brother's wife, who had been for sometime in 
failing health, passed away. This was another blow to 
us all. Even though a long illness and knowing that 
death is drawing near one is never wholly prepared for 
the ordeal. So, in company with friends and relatives, 
I went to Paintsville to be in attendance at the funeral, 
which was conducted in the Methodist Church of which 
she had been a lifelong and faith f ul member. Amidst 
floral tributes of many and pretty designs she was laid 
away in the Paintsville Cemetery. Thus one by one 
the loved ones are thinning out as the days and years 
go by. 

September had gone with its last lingering good-by 
and it was now growing late into Autumn, a calm, 
serene turn of all nature. The beauty of the change 
of the brilliant coloring of the leaves that the Autumn 
frost had brought about on the hills, flushed in the 
sunlight. I seated myself and watched the fading 
tints, with memories of the loved ones, of the past, 
that so lately had left us for a brighter clime, "A clime 
where seasons never change." But I will no longer 
linger on those melancholy thoughts, but I turn to 
more pleasant memories. I will now turn my attention 
to the coming annual meeting of the Grand Chapter 
Eastern Star which was to convene at Bowling Green, 
Kentucky, that year sometime in the latter part of 
October. 



CHAPTER XXX. 

Bowling Green is a very pretty and enterprising 
city, located in the Blue Grass region, upon a com- 
manding eminence, overlooking a valley of surprising 
fertility and very pretty indeed. A beautiful temple 
of learning has been erected there. The Business 
University at Bowling Green ranks foremost in the 
State. Many of the young people of our town have 
been educated in that College. 

The Grand Chapter opened its session, as was 
usually the custom, in the morning at ten o'clock. The 
good Baptist people of the city kindly tendered their 
pretty, commodious church to the Chapter to hold their 
assembly, which was accepted with many thanks of 
its members. This proved to be a most delightful 
session and one that will never be forgotten. The 
meetings of friends that we had not seen for years all 
bring to our minds memories that will be green spots 
through life. After the closing of the session the last 
thing of interest on the program was a trip to the 
Mammoth Cave. About one hundred and twenty-five 
members of the Order were in our party who were in 
readiness for the tour. I must mention the members 
from our home Chapter who were my pleasant com- 
panions, Mrs. Harkins, of course, like myself, "al- 

201 



202 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

ways in the ring," he^ younger daughter Josephine 
and Mrs. Tom Johns, the Worthy Matron of our 
Chapter at that time. We arrived at the station after 
dark, where we had to change cars for the cave, a little 
branch road that runs out to the cave about eight or 
nine miles. The Cave Hotel had been apprised of our 
intended visit, consequently were in readiness, our 
supper all prepared. A rainfall made it quite 
difficult for the small engine to pull the cars, as it was 
up grade ; after efforts to pull them all it was found to 
be necessary to uncouple the two rear cars and leave 
them until they could carry the front ones out to the 
cave and return for us. That necessitated a delay, 
but we all enjoyed ourselves by pleasant conversation, 
recitations and music and the time soon passed away. 
It was about nine o'clock when all were there and 
ready for supper. A sumptuous repast was spread. 
Supper being over we all donned the suits appropriate 
for the occasion, thence ready for the journey through 
the cave on foot. At the entrance gate to the grounds 
we were counted so as to insure a safe return 
and if one should be missing a guide is sent back 
in search. Every two carried a torch. I, of course, 
wondered why the cave had not been lighted with 
electricity and made inquiry to the same. The guide 
told me that it would destroy the natural effects 
which I soon observed was quite reasonable. Our 
party of one hundred and twenty-five was divided 
into three sections, as a single guide could not pilot so 
many. The tour through the Mammoth Cave is 



HER LIFE AND WORK 203 

exhilarating and delightful. One would naturally think 
the atmosphere heavy and depressing, but not so; 
it is the most invigorating air I have ever breathed. 
One feels so light and agile. A picturesque entrance, 
a stairway leading down to the mouth where one 
enters. Once in the cave a strange quiet feeling falls 
upon one that is indescribable. Passing from one 
thing of natural wonder to another and yet all so 
different in appearance. The great rotunda is the 
first apartment of much interest. The guide explained 
that it was directly under the dining hall where we had 
just eaten our supper. Then the Methodist chapel — a 
Christmas tree had been placed there in the year 1884 
by the citizens for their children. The tree was still 
there with cards suspended that had been used at that 
time; there were a few remaining leaves still hanging 
on the branches. Job's coffin, an immense rock the 
shape of a coffin, a room that was called the Monu- 
mental Room, because the different organizations that 
had visited the cave heretofore had erected a rock 
monument to each with a printed card placed in the 
center with the different names of the societies. As 
a matter of course the members of the O. E. S. had 
to also erect one and we all took up rocks and built 
ours too. The consumptives' cabins are still there; 
also a dining room is fitted up with tables made by the 
citizens around, where they sometimes take their 
lunches and have picnics in there. We were kept going 
and going, farther back, until the end of the four mile 
route was reached. The last room was the Star Cham- 



204 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

ber; by the use of the torchlights enchanting effects 
are produced in some parts as in the Star Chamber 
which, when illuminated, appears to be studded with 
innumerable points of light, closely resembling stars, 
also white and yellow clouds. Seats are fixed for the 
tourist to have a rest for a few moments. One of the 
greatest wonders to me was the Martha Washington 
statue, an opening between two apartments exactly 
representing a monument as though having been 
chiseled by human hands. This, the guide explained 
to us, was discovered by two visiting parties with their 
torchlights coming from opposite directions. To dem- 
onstrate how it was discovered, he took his torch 
around into the dark chamber and threw the reflection 
of light into the opening; it coming in contact with 
our lights, thoroughly exemplified the discovery, in a 
manner that was very plain to us all. The Bridal 
Chamber where there had been twenty-seven marriage 
ceremonies solemnized at its natural altar. The Cork- 
Screw which one descends around and around until 
reaching its base. Just like a sure enough corkscrew. 
At the base is an immense dome as smooth as if 
plastered. This is called Napoleon's Dome. Jennie 
Lind's chair is a natural curiosity. In all the passages 
stalactites and stalagmites occur in fantastic forms 
resembling natural objects and architectural designs. 
This cave contains several streams. The largest is 
Echo River, a mile in length, which flows into Green 
River. The river Styx is spanned at one point by a 
natural bridge of singular beauty. There is so much 



HER LIFE AND WORK 205 

to see one cannot think of all and especially if no notes 
are taken. I regret now that I was so thoughtless as 
to neglect a thing so important. We entered this cave 
about ten o'clock P.M., and three in the morning 
found us coming out of this, the largest cave in the 
world, and one of the seven natural wonders that 
history records. This cave was discovered by a hunter 
in 1809, and has been explored for several miles, but 
still some parts have not yet been explored. We spent 
the greater part of the night in it, which was just as 
well, for it is all darkness anyway, though the bad 
effect was the loss of our night's rest and the next 
day we felt the "worse for the wear." It was a won- 
derful night, a wonderful experience and one that will 
never be forgotten. It was well worth the loss of a 
night's sleep. 

Our breakfast over, early in the morning, the little 
train of cars all in readiness to convey us to the station. 
The picturesque scenery on the road back, which we 
had traveled over the night before in the dark, by day- 
light was one of rare beauty, with stretches of wood- 
land forest, bathed in the golden tranquillity of a 
perfect October morning. In the distance and all 
along the tiny railroad track a line of hills clothed in 
their gorgeous hues of many colors which the early 
frost had dyed, melted into the soft blue sky-line, and 
over those shadowy sentinels in a row the purplish 
haze of Autumn hung like a curtain stretching between 
the lowlands and the hill country. After a short time 
waiting at the station the train came rumbling in 



2o6 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

which was to convey us on to Louisville, Mrs. Harkins 
and her daughter remaining to visit some friends. I 
arrived there in safety. Mrs. Johns went on to 
Winchester to spend a few days with her husband's 
father's people, I going to the hotel. Our two nieces 
and their husbands, who at that time were living in 
the city, called me up and insisted upon my coming to 
their homes and spend the time in visiting them while 
in the city. Nevertheless my tired and sleepy condition 
became almost unendurable and that at a cost of an 
evening's pleasure I just must have a night's sleep, for 
I was worn to a frazzle; I needed rest and sleep. 
Three or four nights of successive entertainment until 
after midnight and the last night extending into the 
morning would naturally render one's condition not 
fit to enjoy the society of friends or relatives. How- 
ever, a promise was given to spend the remaining part 
of my time with them. Breakfast being served, 
after a good night's sleep, I went out into the city 
to do some shopping and then back to the hotel to keep 
the engagement I had made with my niece's husband 
to accompany him to their home for the day. Before 
dinner was announced a 'phone message requested us 
all to take supper with my nephew's family, Dr. A. L. 
Hill, and a most delightful day I spent with them. 
Monday morning I then directed my steps homeward, 
boarding the train at eight o'clock. By this time Mrs. 
Harkins and daughter had finished their visit with 
their friends and met me at the station. At Win- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 207 

Chester Mrs. Johns also joined us and a nice trip 
we had on home. 

Fall, by this time, was well advanced and the time 
was fast drawing near for our return to our home in 
the Sunny South. On our way I remember quite a 
little coincidence that took place. As we went into the 
city of Chattanooga, we met on the train a gentleman 
and his wife from Ann Arbor, Michigan, and that was 
the third successive Fall we had met and gone to the 
same hotel. Although we were perfect strangers to 
each other we recognized each other's faces and this 
third time of meeting together at the same places we 
deemed it prudent to form an acquaintance and traveled 
the rest of the journey together, as far as Jacksonville. 
I have never had the pleasure of meeting them since. 

That Winter in the south our brother, Sam David- 
son, and his wife made us a visit. They were with us 
during the month of January and extended into 
February. They were with us when a freeze came and 
swept everything, vegetation and the orange crop. 
Every person engaged in trucking lost heavily. We at 
that time had the largest crop of oranges that our 
groves had borne since we came in possession of it. 
We lost heavily that year. Freezes come about 
every twenty-two or three years, the old citizens claim. 
The state was in a critical condition as far as vegetables 
and fruit were concerned. We all survived it, and 
the groves are looking normal again. After a pleasant 
visit with us our visitors returned to their Kentucky 
home. The remainder of the winter went by hurriedly. 



208 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

The advancing Spring upon us we must again wing 
our way to the mountains of Kentucky for the Sum- 
mer. At Jacksonville we decided to accept the pressing 
invitation given us by our cousins at Johnson City and 
stop off and visit them for a few days on our way 
home. Again we changed the route, going through 
the Carolinas. It is our customary rule not to travel 
at night, always stopping off at different places or 
cities of interest, sometimes at Spartanburg, Colum- 
bia, etc. We arrived at Johnson City before dark and 
they met us with their car. We spent a most delightful 
visit with them, and had the pleasure of meeting the 
other members of the family for the first time. My 
thoughts go back to those days of happy meetings 
of loved ones that I had never known until late years 
and bring memories that will be fresh and green spots 
in my life as long as thoughts will last. Again we had 
the second opportunity of passing through the Breaks 
of Sandy — a scene that one would find something 
attractive if passing each day of their natural life, 
and never tire of the grandeur of its natural beauty. 
Arriving home on the afternoon train, taking the home 
folks unawares. 

Thus, the remaining days of Spring glided by and 
the Summer skies smiled on the green leaves of the 
trees that waved in the gentle warm breezes; the 
flowers sent forth their fragrant odor; the birds sang 
their sweet melody. 

During the Summer Cousin James Martin of John- 
son City made us a visit, it being his first time in our 



HER LIFE AND WORK 209 

home town. How glad we were to have him with us 
who had been so lovely to us in his home. Just to 
think it was all brought about by a calendar. 

September came in with its ripening fruit and bloom- 
ing golden-rod, with not much of interest that I can 
at the present time recall. We went for a short time 
to Cincinnati, to find upon our return that my husband 
had contracted a dreadful cold which developed into 
"Grippe." This continued illness necessitated his being 
confined to his room for weeks. In fact, I had almost 
given up hope of his recovery. During the time my 
cousin, at Johnson City, wrote me that his eldest 
daughter was to be married on the 28th of November, 
and that they desired our presence at the marriage 
and for us to make it convenient to start for the south 
on or about that time and stop off and remain with 
them for the wedding. I became more and more 
anxious to have the pleasure. In the meantime my 
husband began to recover and gradually his health 
returned as time went by. The time was now drawing 
near for us to prepare for the journey. 

On the evening of the 24th of November our neigh- 
bor's sister was married ; a nice wedding was given her 
and while we were enjoying the festivities at their 
home the 7 130 train came rumbling in and one of my 
husband's nephews (Lack Hatcher), who was a dentist 
of our town, returned with his bride. This was quite 
a surprise to all, as no one knew of the approaching 
event. In fact, I was not aware of his absence. An- 
other surprise awaited us, for who should the lucky 



210 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

bride be, I asked. The unexpected had happened — it 
was the adopted daughter of Mrs. Hager, little Frances, 
of whom I have heretofore made mention. I said to 
her, that when I went with Mrs. Hager after her, it 
never occurred to me that she would, in after years, 
become my niece. 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

We left Prestonsburg on the ten o'clock train 
Tuesday morning for Johnson City and at six P.M. 
were met at the station by the car of our cousin, whom 
we were to visit and whose wedding we were to attend. 

The morning of November 28th dawned sunny and 
warm. It was a fine day for a fine wedding. Just 
cool enough to be pleasant. It was a church wedding. 
The magnificent Methodist Church South of which 
she was a member was beautifully decorated with all 
kinds of plants, ferns, smilax, etc., and crowded with 
expectant guests. The bridal party entered in all their 
splendor and handsome wedding attire. Solemn and 
impressive was the marriage ceremony that made 
Cousin Martha Allen Martin, Mrs. Smith. After the 
wedding the invited guests assembled at the magnifi- 
cent home on Main Street where congratulations were 
given and the serving of most delicious cakes and ice 
cream molded into cupids, slippers, hearts and other 
delicacies too numerous to mention. The lovely bridal 
presents were on display; tables were loaded; there 
must have been thousands of dollars invested in hand- 
some gifts from the friends. The thought occurred 
to me, could she live long enough to utilize all those 
beautiful gifts. I doubt it. All being over the bridal 

211 



212 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

party left on the night train for their future home in 
St. Louis, Missouri, where the husband was employed 
in a lucrative business. We remained another night 
with our cousins. The next morning was dark and 
threatening rain. We thought on account of the damp- 
ness and approaching Winter weather it might be best 
to remain no longer but to haste toward a warmer 
clime. Cousin Lena had the servants prepare us an 
elegant lunch for our noonday meal while on the 
train, consisting of the many wedding delicacies. We 
bade them good-by on the morning of the 29th, leaving 
on the early train for the more extreme South. Some 
two or three years have gone by since we assembled 
in that beautiful church and home where we were so 
cordially and hospitably entertained, and that grand 
event has and will remain a pleasant remembrance. 

At that time our country was in the midst of that 
dreadful war. A soldier boy sat in the seat behind 
me and when the noon hour came we divided our 
lunch with him and all of us enjoyed the sumptuous 
noonday repast. It was a dismal day ; the clouds were 
dark and threatening. The fog was so dense it made 
it impossible to view the base of those grand old moun- 
tains while the train was winding its way around those 
mountain peaks. Thus I was somewhat disappointed 
as there are scenes all along that route that are so fasci- 
nating and charming to the traveler. We landed 
safely that night at Spartansburg after a very dis- 
agreeable, dark day's journey, chilly and damp. But 
going to a very pretty hotel, cheerful and pleasantly 



HER LIFE AND WORK 213 

domiciled in a spacious room with all the modern 
conveniences and brilliantly lighted we were much re- 
lieved of the fatigue of the day's journey. After a 
good night's rest, a good breakfast served, we were 
then all in readiness to resume our journey. The 
weather grew more mild as we advanced farther 
South, getting in Jacksonville that same night, and on 
the following day to our little cottage home, located on 
the Dixie Highway, in Bowling Green, Florida. All 
our friends seemed delighted to have us back with 
them. 

The holidays being over my husband's nephew, Reb. 
Kendall, his wife, her sister and a young lady, Martha 
Pieratte, Mr. Kendall's sister's daughter and great- 
niece of my husband, all came on to Bowling Green 
for the Winter. To have them in our home town with 
us was a great delight. They visited us for a few 
days while preparing for housekeeping. The time 
then flitted by more rapidly. I decided to add to our 
pleasure — we must have a car. A level country and 
such smooth roads like Florida one cannot get much 
pleasure without a car, so our niece, Martha, and I 
decided to go to Tampa and buy one. Mr. and Mrs. 
Ramsdale, friends of ours from Maine, who have 
possessions near Bowling Green, were going to Tampa 
that day in their car kindly invited us to accompany 
them. We accepted the kind invitation with very much 
appreciation and pleasure. It is a most delightful 
three or four hours' drive on a fine brick and asphalt 
road. To say we had a charming drive does not ex- 



214 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

press it, with these dear friends of ours. I had written 
Mrs. NefT of our expected visit, who received us most 
cordially. They were out in their auto with us almost 
incessantly, driving miles and miles. With Mr. NefT 
who so kindly assisted us we purchased a pretty five 
passenger auto. In a very few moments Martha had 
learned all about it and was running it to perfection. 
We spent two days with these friends and then with 
our pretty new car, Martha the driver, we were on 
our journey back to our Bowling Green home, making 
the trip in three hours and a few minutes over. We 
needed no better chauffeur, for she never was any 
better pleased than when at the wheel. Thus the re- 
maining part of the Winter and early Spring went by, 
all so pleasantly. 

In the meantime Mr. and Mrs. NefT from Tampa 
came over in their auto, to make us a visit. While 
with us we all fixed our plans to drive to Arcadia and 
go out to the Aviators' Camp, which was located 
seven miles out from Arcadia. We prepared a nice 
lunch, as we were out for an all day's outing, Mr. and 
Mrs. NefT with their five passenger car and ours also, 
enabled us all to be comfortably seated and room for 
the whole party. The camp site is a very pretty and 
suitable place, comprising a number of acres. A lot 
of airships seemed to be prepared for flight. We 
spent the larger part of the day out there and served 
our luncheon and a most delightful day we had 
together. On our return we were caught in a drench- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 215 

ing rain, thus the "Bitter had to go with the sweet," 
but we were thankful to get home all safe. 

Spring by this time was well advanced, the Summer 
fast approaching. As we had gone and come every 
route we knew or that was possible with the exception 
of a trip in our car we decided to try that mode of 
traveling for a change. We left Bowling Green about 
seven o'clock in the morning, procuring a chauffeur 
for the journey. I had prepared a lovely lunch and 
two large watermelons. The road was so smooth; 
what a lovely drive we had the first day, arriving at 
Daytona Beach about four o'clock P.M., considering 
that a good day's travel, and stopped for the night, 
after driving through the different streets sightseeing. 
Daytona Beach is a very pretty city indeed. We all 
went to the moving picture show, after which we had 
a fine night's rest and sleep, the next morning re- 
suming our journey. The second day was not so 
smooth sailing as we encountered quite a bit of rough 
and rugged roads in the northern part of the state. 
However, we had no tire trouble despite the rough 
road, and landed safely in High Springs at quite an 
early hour in the afternoon, feeling that we had al- 
ready had a long drive and that we were ready for a 
rest. We went to the best hotel in the place for the 
night. The third day brought us to Valdosta, Georgia. 
The fourth day to Macon. The fifth day ended at 
Calhoun, Ga., and the sixth at Maryville, Tennessee. 
The roads by this time were rough indeed and rocky 
too, and the seventh day I was so completely given 



216 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

out when we arrived at Lafollette, Tennessee, that I 
could not go another mile. I was so thoroughly ex- 
hausted that my mental faculties were blunted; my 
nerves unstrung; my strength giving way. I was in a 
state of collapse. With an effort I roused to a suffi- 
cient consciousness to get upstairs to the chamber 
assigned us and with an effort I disrobed myself and 
fell upon the bed but no slumber came to my blunted 
brain; no merciful oblivion to relieve me that night. 
I could not "Pull the latch up to the next notch' ' to 
get a fresh hold ; I felt that I must give up ; I was worn 
to a frazzle. I said, "I must stop here. I can go no 
farther in the car." We, the next morning, stored 
the car there, taking the train on to Winchester, Ken- 
tucky. We dismissed the chauffeur, he going on to 
Ashville, N. C, to visit his grandfather. We spent 
a day or two with my husband's niece, Mrs. Perry, 
at Winchester, thence on to Mt. Sterling to visit Mrs. 
Steve Pieratte, another niece, the mother of Martha, 
who had spent the winter at Bowling Green and who 
had gone with me to Tampa and assisted in purchasing 
our car. She had been home a month prior to our 
visit. Well, to say the least we had a most delightful 
time while with them all. I being somewhat rested 
from the long journey in the car was feeling somewhat 
better. After spending a day or two we then bade our 
kind entertainers good-by and started on our home- 
ward journey, arriving there in due time and feeling 
"no worse for the car wear." 

The great World War was then at the highest de- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 217 

gree. We were all anxiety. So many of our nephews 
were enlisted and some were in the trenches. Our 
nephew, Lieut. Alex. L. Hill, was then in France. Of 
the seventeen nephews that were in the service he 
was the only one that was wounded and he was 
also twice gassed. While in France he sent me a very 
pretty pillow cover which he purchased at the "Galleries 
De Lafayette," the largest art store in the world. The 
building on which the aviator lighted his airship. He 
also sent me in a letter some pressed flowers that he 
plucked off the place in which had rested the remains 
of St. Valentine. These souvenirs I closely guard and 
appreciate beyond any degree. 

The Summer passed by and the approach of 
autumn again. My sister's health was failing and I 
prevailed upon her to join us in another trip South 
for the coming Winter to which she acquiesced. The 
"flu" was raging in our town and many of the loved 
ones, friends and relatives, passed away. We were 
all fortunate to escape. My husband's niece, Mrs. 
Nelle May Wilkinson, left us on the 7th of November 
and was laid to rest on the 8th. So many were passing 
away we deemed it best to start as soon as possible 
to a warmer clime and remain no longer in the cold 
and run any risk of a chance of "flu." On the nth, 
the day the Armistice was signed, we left our Pres- 
tonsburg home for the South. Before arriving at 
Ashland the glad tidings were wafted to us that the 
dreadful war was at an end. What a joyful message ; 
how many sad hearts were made to beat with joy. The 



218 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

night was passed with my niece and her husband, Mr. 
and Mrs. O. P. Powers, in Ashland. Oh, what a 
celebration! I have never heard nor have ever seen 
anything that could match the noise. Everything that 
could make a noise was resorted to. Of course we all 
were very willing to be kept awake and happy to know 
we were again to have peace. 

Very early the next morning found us again re- 
suming our journey towards Lafollette, Tennessee, 
where our car was stored. We must again try the 
journey back South in it. I had a tinge of dread but 
must confess that I held out in a wonderful manner 
going back. The worst part of the travel was this 
time the first day and as we advanced further south 
the roads became more smooth. My sister really en- 
joyed all the drive. The sixth day's journey brought 
us again to High Springs, Florida. We lodged at the 
same hotel that we stopped at in the early Summer, 
when we journeyed north. We left there early the 
following morning, driving into Gainsville about eleven 
o'clock. We drove around the city quite a bit ; we de- 
sired to see some of that noted Florida city. It is said 
to be one of the oldest cities in the state, excepting St. 
Augustine and a few others. The streets are broad 
and brick paved. There are some of the finest old oaks 
I have ever seen ; they give a good shade to the streets. 
While driving around the city I observed some very 
pretty homes. They seemed to be large and flower 
decorated. The streets are all shaded and almost all 
well paved. Gainsville has all the city appearance you 



HER LIFE AND WORK 219 

find anywhere in the more thickly settled portions of 
the country. I was much impressed with its general 
appearance. Just a mile out and over a broad paved 
highway lie the extensive college grounds of the Uni- 
versity of Florida, containing a collection of buildings 
of brick, vine covered and quite picturesque. I don't 
remember how many buildings ; there are possibly nine 
or ten. Located here is said to be one of the most 
valuable assets not only of Gainsville, but of the state. 
It is an institution of learning comparable to any in 
the country and is supported by the State and the Fed- 
eral Government. The drive and scenes were much 
appreciated by us all. We gained information as well 
as the pleasure of seeing the city. We arrived at Day- 
tona a while before dark and stopped for the night. 
The next afternoon found us at our little home in 
Bowling Green. My sister enjoyed the auto trip im- 
mensely and stood the long journey fine. It was sure 
pleasant to have her with us for the Winter. Four now 
constituted our family instead of three. 

The holidays being over Mr. and Mrs. Reb Ken- 
dall and sister again came on to Bowling Green for the 
remaining part of the Winter, thus making a most de- 
lightful Winter for us all. 

Again the State Fair was on in February over at 
Tampa. We, seven in number, went to be in attend- 
ance. The exhibits were most interesting and good. 
Every kind of the late war inventions of artillery was 
on exhibition; submarines, submarine chasers, battle- 
ships and war tanks, decorations. All along the Bay 



220 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

shore were the flags of all the different nations of the 
world. It all presented a very pretty scene indeed. 
I cannot recall to my mind all of those pretty and in- 
teresting exhibits. At the present time suffice it to say 
we seven felt that we were well paid for the time spent. 
After two or three days' sightseeing, we returned to 
our homes at Bowling Green. 

April 9th of the same year the Grand Chapter of 
Eastern Star of Florida met at Tampa. I was espe- 
cially invited to visit a friend at that time and also to be 
in attendance. Mr. Davidson and I went, leaving my 
sister and Andrew to keep house. Mr. and Mrs. Ken- 
dall and Miss Seitz to spend the nights with them for 
company. We certainly did have a most pleasant ses- 
sion of the Grand Chapter and so pleasantly enter- 
tained in the pretty home of these friends, Mr. 
and Mrs. Neff, and their daughter and husband (Mr. 
and Mrs. Smith), Mrs. Smith being a member of our 
Order. She and I were continually on the wing, thus 
the time went by all so pleasantly. The warm 
days of the remaining Spring soon flitted by. 
June came in and still we were in Florida. I learned 
that a pretty bungalow was for sale in our little town 
and I lost no time in making a purchase. That neces- 
sitated another move for us a few days prior to start- 
ing back to Kentucky so it was made in a hurry. I felt 
I wanted that to be the last move. I never really en- 
joyed moving. I have often been sorry for a minis- 
ter's wife, who has been moving for years. I now 
had some experience in that line. Only in Florida 



HER LIFE AND WORK 221 

though. This was, I believe, about the seventh we 
have made during our sojourn here. 

We left Bowling Green for our Kentucky home 
on the 17th of June. A nice day's journey we had to 
Jacksonville where Mr. and Mrs. Kendall had been 
waiting for a few days to join us on the long trip to 
Kentucky. They left Bowling Green a few days prior 
to our leaving. A lively journey we had the rest of our 
trip. Leaving them at Winchester we four went on 
to Cincinnati, remaining over there on Sunday. 



CHAPTER XXXII. 

Monday about dark we were back in our Kentucky- 
home at Prestonsburg, my sister's health very much 
improved after her sojourn in Florida. During the 
remainder of that Summer nothing of any interest 
transpired that I can recall. The same old routine of 
my domestic duties with lots of visitors and no end to 
the work to be done. Help was almost a thing of 
the past. By this time I was contemplating the situ- 
ation and about to come to the conclusion that I had 
about as much use for such a large house "as a wagon 
has for five wheels." 

However, the Summer ended. How vast when we 
consider that each day, week and month hastens the 
end. Seasons follow seasons in such rapid succession. 
The last rays of the September sun had set. I became 
quite anxious to return to our pretty little new bunga- 
low in the sunny south and put things in order, con- 
sequently we took our departure on the 4th of October, 
much earlier than was our past custom, arriving at 
Bowling Green the 10th. The weather was extremely 
warm. We almost wished ourselves back in Kentucky 
for a few days, but those hot days passed over. The 
weather soon was cool and pleasant. 

In February I had an opportunity to sell my home 
222 



HER LIFE AND WORK 223 

in Prestonsburg, that had been in my own possession 
for thirty-six years. I have never regretted the 
parting with it. I liked our little new home so 
much. In all the moves we have made we have found 
kind and courteous neighbors, which indeed makes 
my life worth living. 

In December of last year the annual conference of 
Florida met at Lakeland, just thirty miles north of us. 
My neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Brown, their three chil- 
dren, Eitele, Ernest, Avis Mae, and Andrew and my- 
self all went up in our car, Eitele being the chauffeur. 
We heard a fine sermon delivered by the Bishop. We 
had prepared a good lunch and had a fine day. This 
I speak of as many other days' outings we all had 
enjoyed together, going to places of interest, etc. 

The latter part of the month of February we re- 
ceived a telegram, announcing the death of Mr. Har- 
kins, our lifelong friend and relative, which came as 
a great shock to us. He was polished and brilliant; 
his tongue never touched a subject that it did not adorn ; 
he labored incessantly to accomplish the completion of 
our handsome new church and God allowed him to 
live to see it finished and be permitted to worship 
in it. He was an honorable and useful citizen. How- 
ever, the greatest treasure that he possessed was his 
pure, strong heart. His gentle dignity and his exqui- 
site courtesy, his warm human interest in everything 
he touched, returned to him in deep affection felt by all 
who knew him. We keenly felt the great loss that it 
meant to all, but ' 'Death loves a shining mark," and 



224 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

he has gone. We know how great was felt the loss 
in his own home and to the community in which he 
had lived all his natural life. 

In the meantime the home paper came giving an ac- 
count of a very disastrous fire which had destroyed 
almost a whole block. Among the buildings that were 
entirely destroyed were the old Methodist Church and 
Masonic Hall with all the contents. This, of course, 
was a hard blow; I felt at that time as if I would 
never want to see the old place again and would never 
be anxious to see the ruins, and the thought of so 
many loved ones gone away forever. But this life is 
continually freighted with much sadness and sorrow. 
If time did not wear these gloomy happenings away it 
would be impossible for us poor mortals to exist. Days 
and weeks went by. The month of May had slipped 
away with all her charms on earth, sea and sky. Then 
came in June in her place, pouring forth the buds and 
fresh flowers, its warm sultry days as a gentle re- 
minder that the time was fast approaching for our 
flight northward, to seek a cooler clime. 

On the 1 8th we again stepped on board the train 
that was to begin our long journey bound for our old 
Kentucky home. We had a very pleasant, but unevent- 
ful, trip. We secured rooms with our niece, Mrs. 
Mary Allen, for the time we were to be in Prestons- 
burg, as now we had no settled home. We had planned 
many visits and trips during the remaining part of the 
Summer and Fall. The first trip that presented itself 
was one that I had a desire for sometime^ to make. 



HER LIFE AND WORK 225 

The Eastern Star Chapter at home had been given the 
right by the Grand Chapter of Kentucky to institute a 
Chapter at Wayland, Kentucky, a mining town which 
is situated at the terminus of the railroad on the Right 
Hand Fork of Beaver Creek. I was very much de- 
lighted. I had never been up there and was anxious 
for the time to arrive. At last the long expected morn- 
ing broke in, beautiful and bright, July 15, 1920, fine 
for an occasion like that. There were a number of 
us in the party : Mrs. Emma J. Archer, Mrs. Frances 
Hatcher, Mrs. Osie Ligon, Mrs. Irene Burke, Miss 
Maud Salisbury, Mrs. Anna L. Davidson, Mrs. Josie 
D. Harkins, Mrs. Mary Allen, Mr. Jack Davis, Miss 
Josephine Harkins, Mrs. Grace D. Ford, Mrs. Virginia 
Arnold, Josie M. Davidson and Mr. A. J. Davidson. 
I believe these were all the members of Adah Chapter 
that were present. We indeed were a merry party, and 
reached there in time for a splendid dinner at the big 
hotel, that had been prepared for us by directions from 
the Masonic Fraternity. The scenery of the surround- 
ing country is very pretty indeed. This Beaver Creek 
country, though, is the richest part of Floyd County. 
For years the facilities for travel were conspicuously 
absent, not because of the scarcity of its population, but 
principally on account of the problem presented to con- 
structive engineers by tiers of perpendicular cliffs and 
hills, that form a wall, barring traffic. A demand for 
market for the huge coal deposit that past ages have 
stored there has spurred surveyors to scale those heights 
and span those gullies and make a trail over which the 



226 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

great steam-horse can be run in safety. It was on this 
very railroad that I had often wished for a trip, espe- 
cially up the Right Fork. I had never been up there, 
even when the only mode of travel was on horseback 
over the rough road, or in a buggy or hack, when one 
took his or her life in consideration of the dangers of 
a turn-over. 

Dinner being over we went for a little stroll and to 
get a view of the mining town. I went back to the 
hotel beholding the sublimity of those scenes around 
Wayland. The immense hills clothed in their fresh 
colors of green. I sat out on the long porch of the 
hotel for a while with folded hands and gazed at the 
glorious sunset and marked the floating clouds as they 
touched its golden fringe. The scene was enchanting. 
The sound of supper being announced broke the 
spell of my chain of thought. For the time being we 
were in bustle and confusion, as a lot of women are 
when making their toilet for an interesting and ap- 
proaching event. Josephine Harkins, appointed by the 
Grand Patron as Grand Matron Deputy, was assisted 
by Virginia Arnold as Grand Marshall and Grace D. 
Ford as Grand Secretary. The other members of Adah 
Chapter proficiently exemplified the work. The new 
organized chapter exhibited much interest and enthusi- 
asm, and we expect it to become a bright star in the 
near future. We cannot say too much in appreciation 
and praise as shown in their generous hospitality and 
kindness shown us. The banquet following the recep- 
tion was a feast, reminding us of the halcyon days of 



HER LIFE AND WORK 227 

yore, with an abundance for all and plenty to spare, 
and with no sign of war times or high cost of living. 
It was indeed a joyous occasion, and one that will linger 
in our memory as one of the pleasantest events of our 
lives. A jolly crowd we were the next morning again 
starting on our return for our respective homes, my 
husband, Andrew and I stopping off at the forks of 
Beaver to visit our mine. We spent the day visiting 
and going through the different parts of the works, 
etc. I always enjoyed our visits up there, when years 
ago I sometimes took Josie when she was a little girl to 
visit a little friend, Katie Osborn, who lived on our 
farm. This place has grown to be a mining town and 
is greatly changed though some of the renters still live 
near by. I am always so glad to meet up with these 
old friends and spend a day or night with them. After 
two days of visiting with them we returned to our home 
town. 



CHAPTER XXXIII. 

In August, about the fifteenth, we again had the 
pleasure of a visit or trip up the Left Fork of Beaver 
Creek. We had an invitation from some friends living 
near Salisbury station, a short distance from the forks 
of the creek, to make them a visit and attend a two 
days' meeting. Our friend, Mr. Brice Stumbo, had 
died a year previously and gone to his home, where 
the weary are at rest. His widow and her two sons, 
Dr. Walker and Edward Stumbo, and sister, Mrs. 
Marion Allen, the family of the deceased, all gave us 
such a warm welcome upon our arrival Saturday. We 
then repaired to the stand which had been previously 
erected for the religious services and took in the after- 
noon service, after which we then went back to the 
commodious farmhouse, owned by Mrs. Stumbo, who 
had so hospitably extended the invitation to so many 
guests. Supper announced, all repaired to the large 
dining hall where three long tables were spread, loaded 
with the many good things to appease the appetite. 
About seventy-five or more people were served and 
found lodging with those generous people who know no 
scarcity. The morning meal came up the same, with 
the table loaded. After the morning services were over 
the dinner was served with more guests than the day 

228 



HER LIFE AND WORK 229 

before. I wondered how they ever prepared enough to 
feed so many people, but an abundance seemed to hold 
out like the "widow's meal in the barrel and oil in the 
cruse." We remained in that hospitable home until 
Monday with the loved ones and then they accom- 
panied us over to the station to see us off for the head 
of the creek, ending at Weeksbury, a mining town that 
had not been completed very long. The many friends 
and acquaintances that had been to the same meeting 
were getting off at the different stations and insisted 
that we stop off and make them a visit, but the many 
places that we had already mapped out for future visits 
and the time fast fleeting, we had to decline the kind 
requests, although I would have been delighted to visit 
those kind friends of other days. About dark the train 
rumbled into Weeksbury. Early the next morning we 
were up viewing those picturesque scenes, and thoughts 
crowded my mental faculties quick and fast. Those 
towering mountains, though picturesque in the extreme, 
with such a narrow valley nestling between, the question 
arose: How did those early settlers ever raise enough 
to sustain man and beast? Where was the soil that 
was tillable for their bread? How did they survive 
the loneliness of that quiet place? The change of 
scenes could only take place with the coming and 
going of the seasons. The budding forth of the leaves 
in the Springtime of the trees of the forest, in Sum- 
mer clothed in their robes of different shades of green, 
then Autumn after a few falls of frost, enough to give 
the different hues of bright tints that glow. For in- 



230 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

stance, the flaming sumac where there is no need of an 
artificial touch to awe the mind with its majesty or to 
aid in its inherent beauty. Then the Winter scene, 
with its ice and snow and no sound to break the silence 
save the woodman's ax, the lonesome tinkle of the cow- 
bell and the choked murmur of the stream as it flows 
over rough rocks. Then the thought came forcibly 
to me: how did they live? Yet they subsisted some 
way, somehow. Doubtless the thought never entered 
their mind of the immense wealth that those mountains 
contained, the thousands of tons of coal and the 
multiplied thousands of dollars that were in future 
store for some of their descendants. All these and 
many other thoughts loomed up in my mind, then 
the reverie was broken by the whistle of the train that 
was to carry us back down the creek towards home. 
Only a few miles had we gone when the train stopped 
on account of the two wrecked coal trains in front, and 
there we had to stay until the wrecks were cleared away. 
Well, the noon-hour approached and no prospects for 
dinner. Of course, at a time like this the good things 
to eat would naturally loom up to mind, of the few days 
that had just gone by when we were in the home of 
Mrs. Stumbo. The more we thought the more we 
wished, but in vain. There was a nearby store, but 
nothing could we get there. There was a nearby farm- 
house in view and Mr. Davidson went to it and found 
an old friend living there, but as no one was home but 
Mr. Hopkins himself, he boiled some eggs hard and 
with some salt sent them to us. He later came down 



HER LIFE AND WORK 231 

to the train to see us, and was sorry that he did not 
know the predicament we were in before his wife left 
the house, so she could have cooked us something, but 
we fared all right on the eggs. These people are the 
best I ever saw, and cannot do enough to make their 
friends comfortable. We appreciated his kindness so 
much and took the rest of his will for the deed. Finally 
late in the afternoon, the wrecks were cleared away, 
and slowly the train began to go forward, thus forcibly 
reminding me of the "Slow train through Arkansas." 
Observing from the car window and noting the wind- 
ing of the stream like the winding of a snake's trail, also 
the many sudden turns of the train, I felt for the first 
time the dangers apprehending that were seen and un- 
seen, and that we were literally obeying the scriptural 
injunction, "Take no thought of the morrow." We 
well knew the delay meant another night must be spent 
somewhere on Beaver as it would be too late to make 
connection with the train at the forks of Beaver. We 
were resigned though to the inevitable, glad to be safe 
thus far on our way. 

Finally, as the evening sun was shedding its last 
rays upon the mountain top the train rolled into Mar- 
tin station. We then repaired to the home of our 
old tried friends, Mr. and Mrs. Billie L. Osborn, who 
always gave us a warm welcome, as also our very dear 
friend, Mrs. Fanny Keathley Flannery, with whom we 
have so often stopped. We knew either of these friends 
would be glad to have us with them so we spent the 
night with Mr. and Mrs. Osborn and took our noonday 



232 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

meal the next day with Mrs. Flannery. The delay the 
previous day only enabled us to again visit our mines 
and note the changes since the month before. We had 
a nice time with them all and at the station we again 
had another long wait for the train that was to carry 
us on down the creek. Dark found us getting into our 
home town, feeling no worse for the delay, and much 
better for the pleasant outing, also seeing and being 
with those friends that we have long known and loved. 



CHAPTER XXXIV. 

In the course of time my brother married again, a 
very estimable woman, Mrs. Martha Trimble, with 
two lovely bright children, a son sixteen and a daughter 
twelve or thirteen years old. Since their marriage they 
spend their Summer months out on her farm and their 
Winters at his home in Paintsville. It was while out 
at her farm in the latter part of August that she wrote 
us that she expected us down for a visit and as her 
fruit was ripe that was the time for us to come. We 
took advantage of the invitation and went. We were 
met at the Paintsville depot by her son, Rex ford, who 
had come in from the country for us with his team and 
hack. It was about two hours' travel out to the farm 
and a comparatively good road, thus reminding me of 
those days of yore, when that was the only mode of 
traveling. We had a nice drive though and enjoyed 
it immensely, as it was a change. A large white farm 
house on an elevated place with a pretty green, grassy 
terraced yard loomed up to our view before reaching 
it. Just a place to have a general good time. Of 
course Andrew was happy as he could be out with the 
horses and Rex ford. I felt that it was the very place 
for him to have a nice time and outing and he certainly 
took every advantage of the occasion. There was 

233 



234 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

plenty of fruit, melons, etc., and what a good time we 
did have. The peach trees were weighted with their 
luscious fruit and for a week we reveled in delicious 
peaches and other good things to eat. All that a well- 
to-do farmer could bestow upon his guests. 

In the meantime they suggested a picnic for us, the 
place fixed at the break of Big Paint Creek, about three 
miles from the farm. We prepared a nice lunch. Also 
a number of their neighbors made the necessary prep- 
arations too for a pleasant day and accompanied us. 
Quite early in the morning we all drove out to the 
place suggested. I must say, with all my ability to 
see the "silver lining" to every cloud, I never drove 
over a much worse road in all my life than the one from 
my sister's farm to the breaks of Big Paint Creek. It 
seemed to me that if one ever took their lives in 
their hands we did at that time, but it ended all 
right with no disaster at all. We found ourselves 
landed at a small log church building, corresponding 
with the rustic scenery around. The yard had grown 
up in tall weeds through which it was a difficult mat- 
ter to emerge. For years I had heard of those wonder- 
ful breaks and at last I was to see them and actually 
know just how they looked for myself. We sought 
a large flat rock on the side of the hill just above the 
church, which was suggestive of a splendid place to 
spread our picnic dinner. The morning had gone by 
so swiftly and a lot of hungry tourists we were. We 
thought it prudent to partake of the noonday meal be- 
fore inspecting the wonders surrounding us. My what 



HER LIFE AND WORK 235 

a feast we had and words cannot express the enjoy- 
ment of the occasion. Those natural scenes, though 
rough in the extreme, were marvelous to behold. To 
say there is very great beauty about those breaks I 
cannot, but they are wonderful beyond any description. 
High upon those cliffs are openings or caverns which it 
would be impossible to reach; where no human being 
has ever planted a footprint; where no sound has ever 
left an echo. We found ourselves in a place where 
the varied scenes surrounding us declared the perfec- 
tion of the handiwork of our Creator. Such a place is 
ground for astonishment. Those rugged, precipitous 
cliffs, presenting to view those openings high upon the 
rocky steeps. I wondered what the interior looked like ; 
if they could compare with other caverns that I have 
been in, but no one will ever know. A peculiar freak 
of nature was pointed out to us; a good sized birch 
tree had grown on the top of a huge rock with no visible 
sign of soil or substance which it might draw life 
from. A growing root seemed to have split the rock 
and run the length, perhaps of fifteen or twenty feet 
in the crevice, presenting the appearance of a huge 
snake, the end reaching down and taking hold in the 
earth's soil. A swinging bridge spanned the creek 
which enabled us to cross to the other side where was 
presented a better view of those rugged and precipi- 
tous hills. A feeling of awe will naturally hold one's 
attention, and thoughts rebound, of the miraculous 
works of nature. It was a delightful day and when 
the lowering sun reminded us that the time had swiftly 



236 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

flown and that the hour had arrived for our return 
with three miles of rough road to go over, and that we 
must "hie away" before darkness should overtake us. 
One day while out at the farm we all were invited to 
spend a day with friends and neighbors of my brother's 
family, Mr. and Mrs. Williams. Those good people 
were so-kind and hospitable. They have a splendid 
home and farm with everything that good farmers have 
to live upon. A most excellent dinner was served and 
another delightful day spent. The week flitted by 
all too soon, but as there were other visits we had 
mapped out on our program we could not prolong our 
stay. We fixed the day for our departure, with many 
regrets to leave those loved ones, and happy thoughts 
linger of the week spent in my brother and sister's 
Christian home. Sister Martha then came on in the 
hack with us to their Paintsville home to look after 
some of their interests there, which made the drive more 
pleasant for all of us. We bade all adieu and separated, 
we going to the station to await the train that was to 
carry us to our home town. In my early childhood 
and girlhood, extending through my natural life, even 
to the present time, I ofttimes spent sleepless hours 
building air castles and have lived to realize and to see 
some of those air castles carried into effect and have en- 
joyed the privileges I have gotten out of those castle 
buildings. Some writer, I cannot recall just who, has 
said that "Home and true friends are two of the fairest 
gifts of Heaven allotted to us mortals on earth," and 
I have been blessed with both of those fairest gifts, a 



HER LIFE AND WORK 237 

home and many true and tried friends wherever I have 
cast my lot, and in the language of King David of old 
"My lot has been cast in pleasant places." 

Upon our return, I found a letter written me from 
Mrs. J. L. Coley, a friend living in Huntington, West 
Virginia, insisting that we three make them a visit and 
that the middle of September she would expect us. At 
the specified time we left home again to visit those dear 
friends who had given such a pressing invitation. We 
stopped off at Catlettsburg, took dinner, and in the 
afternoon went up to Huntington on a street car arriv- 
ing at the pleasant home of our friends late in the after- 
noon. We were both shocked and grieved to find Mrs. 
Coley suffering much pain and disadvantage with rheu- 
matism to the extent that it required the use of two 
crutches for her to be able to walk at all, looking so 
pale and emaciated. However, she had called up her 
daughter, Mrs. Parsons, who lived at Charleston, West 
Virginia, and she came to oversee the affairs of the 
home with the assistance of the other daughter, 
Mrs. Elkins, who also lived in Huntington, coming 
from her home daily, consequently all went well. She 
said she could not think of us leaving for the south 
without seeing us all. These dear friends have always 
treated us so very kindly from the time we first met 
them, which was fifteen years ago, when I met 
them at "Home Coming" in Louisville, Kentucky, for 
the first time of which I have heretofore written, and 
from the first visits that we have exchanged with each 
other I have always held and cherished the warmest 



238 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

feeling of love and friendship towards them. It was 
indeed a pleasure to see and be with them again, al- 
though several years had gone by since we had seen 
them. I had not seen either of the daughters since 
their marriage. We spent most of the time at the home 
as her crippled condition rendered it impossible for 
her to go out with us. I preferred being with her to 
going out in the city very much. Everything was done 
to give us a nice time under the existing circumstances. 
We spent three or four days with them, called once to 
see Mrs. Elkins and also Mrs. Dr. Howard (nee 
Wootie Harkins), my husband's niece. These two calls 
were the only ones made by us while there. Aside 
from her condition we enjoyed our visit immensely 
and were sad to leave her not much improved, though 
she has written me since that she was gradually improv- 
ing and this has greatly gladdened me. 

From Huntington we next went to Ashland to visit 
Mr. and Mrs. O. P. Powers, my niece and her family. 
That was on Friday morning. We found them anx- 
iously looking for us, as I had written them when 
to expect us. They gave us a good time. In the after- 
noon took us out in their car for a drive over the 
city and then drove to the cemetery, where rest the 
loved ones, Captain and Mrs. Hopkins, this being the 
first time I had visited their graves since the day she 
was laid away, four years ago. 

I had written Mrs. J. R. Kendall of West Liberty 
the time we were to be in Ashland and Catlettsburg 
and she at once came on to meet us there. We, of 



HER LIFE AND WORK 239 

course, had a joyous meeting. We had not seen each 
other for more than a year. She has a brother living 
in Gatlettsburg, consequently she "killed two birds 
with one stone," visiting her brother and with 
us also. The next day was Saturday and the last 
on our program for this visit, as we had arranged to 
return to our home town on the night train. We were 
invited to spend that remaining day with Cousin Mary 
Brown in Catlettsburg. My niece drove us up to this 
cousin's home and Mrs. Kendall joined us there in the 
afternoon and we all together had a very joyous time. 
Aside from the real joy given us by those dear friends 
and relatives memories loom up of the passing away of 
so many that have gone into the great unknown since 
we had been together and gloomy thoughts arise. A 
vacant chair at the home of my niece; Mr. Powers' 
mother had been laid away, and Cousin Mary Brown's 
husband too had gone. Times like these we think we 
will not be separated so long again while we are per- 
mitted to live and promise ourselves to see each other 
often, but the daily cares and heavy responsibilities 
encumber us and seem to monopolize so much of our 
time that those promises we fail to carry into effect as 
they should be. When we consider the passing away 
of time and each growing old and so few are left, we 
should try to be together more often. Bidding them 
all good-by at the station, where they had assembled 
to see us off, we boarded the train for up Sandy. We 
met on the train the Rev. I. F. J. McKinster and wife, 
the minister who twenty-seven years ago had married 



240 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

us. Of course we were glad to see them. Their com- 
pany was a help to while away the time of the long and 
tiresome trip and it ended evidently much sooner by 
having pleasant company. 



CHAPTER XXXV. 

The Summer vacation of 1920 had drawn to its close 
with all the joys and anxieties. September, too, had 
come and gone, with a continued routine of invitations 
to dinners, teas, receptions and visits. Then the com- 
ing of the beautiful month of October with its clear 
blue sky, the beginning of the changes of color of the 
leaves of the trees from their green to the pretty tints 
of the different hues, thus reminding us that our visits 
were at an end, and finding it necessary to make prep- 
arations for departure, realizing that all things sooner 
or later must come to an end. I finished my packing 
with a tinge of regret and when all was in readiness 
to begin our journey, we decided before starting to go 
by way of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and thereby carry 
out the promise I made myself twenty years ago to 
again, if permitted, visit those wonderful healing 
springs. We left our old home town on the early 
morning train October 13th amid a scene of emotion. 
I shall never forget the deep grief that had come to the 
home of a friend and schoolmate of other days, the 
sudden death the night before of her husband at about 
ten o'clock. I had not heard of the death until 
we had started to the station. I turned aside to go 
to her home and see and speak to her just for a moment. 

241 



242 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

A parting word, amid low sounds of plaintive grief of 
the heartbroken wife lingering over his lifeless form 
and with my own tears almost blinding my overflowing 
eyes I bade her a sad good-by. No word of comfort 
could I give for well I knew words of mine would be 
useless given in such an hour. Only He who knows 
the depth of her sorrow could be of any comfort to 
her then. It was a sudden and mysterious stroke of 
God's providence, as he was a comparatively young 
man, so large and strong. A finer specimen of per- 
fect health I never saw than that of Mr. Hood Turner, 
and it seemed so strange. Many of the loved ones 
came on to the station to see us off. It really was a sad 
parting and the question arose in my mind, will we all 
ever meet again this side of eternity? 

At Ashland my niece met us with her car at the 
depot and took us to their lovely home on Montgomery 
Avenue and there we had a lovely lunch with them 
after which she again drove us back to the depot 
in time for the train that was to take us on to 
Cincinnati, where we remained three or four days 
to do some shopping and then resumed our journey 
going by way of Louisville. The change was made 
there without a moment's wait as the train was on the 
track that was to carry us on to Memphis. In a very 
short time we were on our journey towards Memphis 
where another change had to be made. We spent the 
night there and were ready the next morning for a 
continuation of the journey to Hot Springs. 

We arrived at the Springs about the same time in 



HER LIFE AND WORK 243 

the afternoon that we had arrived there twenty years 
before, but how different was the place. The setting 
sun was gliding over the towers and church spires of 
entirely new buildings, which moved me to admira- 
tion. The blue sky bent serenely without a cloud above 
them. Instead of being driven in a cab drawn by 
horses as of yore, we were driven in a taxicab to the 
hotel. 

Five, ten, fifteen, twenty years had gone by since 
I had made myself the promise to again visit Hot 
Springs, considering that it might be beneficial to 
each of us to spend a month and take the course of 
baths. The country and town are greatly changed since 
that time of long ago. The town has grown to a large 
sized city. Statistics give the place as having the small- 
est death rate of any city in the United States. For 
clean living I am sure it cannot be excelled. There are 
forty-six hot springs with an average temperature of 
135 Fahrenheit, the hottest being 154. Hot Springs 
has been recognized as America's greatest health re- 
sort, while as a pleasure resort it has a great deal to 
recommend it. It is a cosmopolitan city with about 
15,000 resident population and is located on the pine 
clad hills of the Ozarks at a very great elevation above 
sea level. It has well paved streets and street car lines 
leading to places of interest, to the alligator and 
ostrich farms and to other places of amusement. The 
place can boast not only of her famous hot springs, 
but several cold mineral springs. As a pleasure resort 
it has many advantages. The Government has built 



244 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

fine roads and driveways and paths to the steel tower 
and different points on the reservation where the view 
of the surrounding country can be seen to a very great 
advantage. 

We hired a taxicab one day and drove to the very 
top; there we had a grand view of the whole country 
as far as the eye could see in the distance; miles and 
miles of peaks of those Ozark mountains presented to 
view is a most superb spectacle. Far away to the 
south stretches a mountain range, blue in the distance. 
In the narrow valley below the city and stream ; it cer- 
tainly is a most charming scene to the observer. We 
spent the mornings at the bath house where I met many 
nice and sociable ladies. Again I was forcibly re- 
minded that our big beautiful world was not so large 
after all. In conversation with a pleasant, sweet- faced 
lady from Herman, Tennessee, by name Karoline Wat- 
kins, I learned that she had gone to college with my 
Cousin, Louise Martin, of Johnson City, Tennessee, 
the second daughter of Cousin James Martin, to whom 
I have referred. 

Thus the days and weeks went hurriedly by until the 
limited time we had given ourselves was at an end. 
Now we must be off again for the South. 

I received a letter from my old friend Mrs. M. E. 
Thomas of Grand Cane, Louisiana, that I had 
met at the Springs twenty years ago. Since that time 
her son, a lovely young man that was with us, had 
passed into the great beyond, bringing to my mind 
so vividly those happy days we spent together for six 



HER LIFE AND WORK 245 

weeks. I therefore wrote these lines of my thoughts 
and wreathed them into a little poem which I thought 
was somewhat appropriate, and was in keeping with 
my feelings at that time: 

"Twenty Years Ago. 

Nestled between mountains rugged and high, 

Lie the valley and city below — 
With its healing springs of pure water so clear, 

Just the same as twenty years ago. 

But great the change that time has made, 
By brain and hand of mortal man I trow, 

Since o'er the ground where once I tread, 
Just twenty years ago. 

Where stand the same trees of the forest, 
With their leaves of bright tints that glow, 

Are towering still on the mountain side, 
The same as twenty years ago. 

How many happy buoyant hearts, 

That gladly drank its healing waters that flow, 
From earthly cares, and earthly scenes are gone, 

Since twenty years ago. 

Never the scenes do I wish to forget as dead, 
Leaves from a forest that fell to and fro, 

But bring to mind those sweet memories 
Of the past, twenty years ago." 

It was a bright, sunshiny morning, though very 
cold, when we left the Springs. The long day's journey 



246 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

was tiresome and uneventful. We arrived at Mem- 
phis about dark, the train being late. The night was 
dark and cold considering it being farther South. 
We went to a nearby hotel and after supper we were 
soon comfortable in our warm room. It was still real 
cold the next morning. Around the water tanks the 
icicles hung dazzling in the sunlight like prisms, form- 
ing a very pretty sight. Soon we were on our journey 
towards Birmingham, Alabama. All went well for a 
few miles when all at once the train came to a stand- 
still. There was a wrecked train ahead of us. For a 
time the train backed, at a very slow rate, again remind- 
ing us of "the slow train through Arkansas." After 
miles of backing they reached another road and in a 
very roundabout way proceeded to again get started to 
Birmingham. We were just six hours late, but of 
course had to be reconciled to the situation. The day 
went by and the night approaching; twelve o'clock 
found the train running into Birmingham, and still 
very cold and the wind blowing a gale. Hurriedly we, 
again wishing to get in a warm place, took a^ nearby 
hotel and soon we were comfortable indeed. We had 
planned a few days' stay in the city as it was the first 
time we had ever been in Birmingham. The next day 
was so cold that we were kept indoors at the hotel. 
Discussing the cold situation we came to the conclusion 
that the sooner we got to Sunny Florida the better as it 
was no time to consider sightseeing. That night, the 
first time for years that we had traveled at night, we 



HER LIFE AND WORK 247 

were fortunate enough to get two berths together and 
to get to bed quite early and had a good night's rest. 

We landed at Jacksonville the next day about noon, 
and what a change in the atmosphere; so warm and 
balmy. It was not, however, till the forenoon of the 
17th of November that we reached Bowling Green. 
Mrs. Brown, my near neighbor and friend, who was 
expecting us, prepared us a lovely noonday lunch, 
and would have us dine with them, which we enjoyed 
immensely. 

Again another sad scene was in store for us. The 
only child of Mrs. Ethel Jones, a widow and friend 
of mine, died the same afternoon of our return, a 
boy of thirteen summers. The public sorrow was 
great and general for the heartbroken mother. A 
life cut off in its prime; another mysterious act of 
God's Providence which is past finding out. We found 
the friends of Bowling Green the same generous and 
hospitable as in days of yore and all apparently glad 
to see us and have us back with them. I have from the 
first held these dear friends with great love and appre- 
ciation. In truth my heart all the while swelled with 
great pleasure at their recognition and kind reception 
of our presence. 

The remaining part of the last Fall month has 
gone by. Christmas has passed, thence we all look for- 
ward and yield to Winter although here in Sunny 
Florida we have but little Winter. As yet the flowers 
are blooming and the rich golden fruit still hanging 
on the trees. However the natural year of 1920 has 



248 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

ended. When Christmas has passed in this climate it 
is useless to try to make believe that it is really Winter, 
with flowers blooming and no snow to remind us that 
Winter has begun. We only know Winter as the sea- 
sons come and go by. 

" Tis now mid-February in our sunny land, 
Our land of vines and flowers, 
Growing wildly in our woodlands, 
Woven deftly in our blowers. 

"And thus, O! fair Florida, 

When the golden hours flit by, 
We hail those bright sunny days, 

With gladness from the clear blue sky." 



CHAPTER XXXVI. 

Alas! how fast the Winter and Spring of 1921 
passed by, but with nothing of any interest out of the 
ordinary until June ; the heat came early and increased 
with each long bright sunshiny day that stretched its 
length farther and farther into the shadows of the 
evening. Then June with its never failing hours gliding 
by with such flight as a reminder that the time was at 
hand when a change of air and scenes was fast ap- 
proaching ; we must get ready for our Summer outing. 
We left our home at Bowling Green on the 29th of 
June ; again we spent the night at Jacksonville, boarding 
the train quite early the next morning. The second 
night was spent in Columbia, South Carolina. Mrs. 
R. L. Sealey, of Bowling Green, our friend and 
neighbor, accompanied us which added to the pleasure 
of our journey. We had a very delightful trip and 
arrived in Hendersonville, North Carolina, the third 
day after our departure from Bowling Green. 

Hendersonville, termed the "Land of the sky," is a 
most delightful Summer Resort, situated on top of 
the Blue Ridge Mountains. We arrived there the first 
day of July. The climate truly is most pleasant; so 
cool. Even the midday sun is not so disagreeably 
warm, especially for us Florida people, who are so 
accustomed to the intense heat of the south. We 

249 



250 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

were very pleasantly located and met such lovely people 
from different states and some from foreign countries. 
I had the pleasure of meeting and forming the ac- 
quaintance of a lady who was from London, England. 
It was her home in London that the Germans demol- 
ished when the first bomb fell from their aeroplane 
on the city of London. 

The 4th of July we spent out in the park where 
they had quite a patriotic celebration. The city has a 
very nice park and other places of interest; pretty 
springs of clear flowing water. We spent the month 
of July so pleasantly there, driving and walking. 
Really when the time came for us to leave we were 
loath to depart. I had formed many new acquaint- 
ances and some I regretted to separate from. I have 
never been to a place that I did not form many good 
friends and with some I have kept up a correspondence 
for years. 

We then came on to Big Stone Gap, Virginia, a small 
city of some historic interest. It was then the first of 
August. I was aware of the fact that I had a cousin 
living there, who had married a gentleman by the name 
of Carnes. I, of course, looked them up and called 
at their home. I had never met her, however, before. 
For a short time I kept from her my identity, when I 
finally made known to her who I was. It was a very 
touching introduction. We, of course, had much to 
converse about this being our very first meeting and 
we both are now far past middle life. She was the 
third daughter of my Uncle, W. H. Martin, of Jones- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 251 

ville, Virginia (named Emma). Her husband, Wil- 
liam Carnes, is a splendid man and husband. From the 
first time I met him, I was favorably impressed with 
his kind and gentlemanly manner. After retiring, it 
was long past midnight. The past and present 
mingled together, and brought about thoughts of the 
many years that had glided by and we also ignorant of 
each other, almost ignorant of our very existence ; then 
suddenly the whole scene changed completely ; the real- 
ity of the present pleasure of seeing and knowing some 
of them personally surely brought about a feeling of 
gratitude that I could not express. I then fell asleep to 
awake in the early morning with thoughts of my fa- 
ther's family. All, one by one, have fallen and each 
in turn has entered the land of spirits and only 
a very few of us, their descendants, are left. I found 
living there other cousins, besides my Cousin, Emma 
Carnes, also a niece of hers, Mrs. Dr. Baker, and 
while there we met some of our friends whom we 
had known in other days, which made our sojourn 
twofold more pleasant. 

Mrs. Harold Hatcher, now living at Big Stone 
Gap, invited us to join her and some of her relatives 
and friends in an auto trip to Norton, Virginia, a 
distance of about fourteen miles. We had a fine drive 
and an advantage of seeing some of the picturesque 
scenery that is so historical that surrounds the noted 
country. It surely was a nice trip and how I prize such 
scenes where nature has made an impenetrable barrier 
on either side of the pretty green valley that nestles 



252 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

below those high mountains. Some of those lovely 
scenes pointed out to us were taken and put on 
the moving picture screen, that is used in the "Trail of 
the Lonesome Pine," one of the books written by John 
Fox, Jr., the Kentucky writer and novelist. His home 
is at Big Stone Gap, where he died a few months 
since. We are in debt to Mrs. Hatcher for that de- 
lightful day. We also are so grateful to Mr. and Mrs. 
Hamblen (nee Octava Hatcher), who took us in her 
touring car a number of times, which enabled us to 
see quite a bit of the surrounding country. These dear 
friends we have known and loved for years; it was a 
treat to meet them again. We were there almost two 
weeks with those lovely relatives and friends which will 
bring pleasant memories to my mind as long as my 
memory shall last. 

We then left for Kentucky, our old home at Pres- 
tonsburg, where we were received with a warm wel- 
come of love as in other days, and are now pleasantly 
situated at the home of my husband's brother, Sam, 
and good wife, and we surely have found a warm re- 
ception from other relatives and dear friends. 

We had not, since our arrival the middle of August, 
been to visit my brother's family at Paintsville, so on 
Friday last we boarded the train for the promised 
visit. There, too, we were met with love and a hearty 
welcome from my brother and his good wife, whom 
I had not had the pleasure of seeing since last Septem- 
ber. We spent a few days with them. Our time be- 
ing somewhat limited we decided to return to Pres- 



HER LIFE AND WORK 253 

tonsburg on the 20th of September, 1921, and found 
an invitation awaiting us from my sister for dinner. 
We were hurried of! to her home with no thought that 
anything out of the ordinary was being enacted at our 
brother's home. After a delicious dinner was served 
at my sister's it was suggested that we return to our 
headquarters ; still no thought was aroused in my mind 
as to the preparation that was being made to give us 
such a delightful surprise party. Before reaching the 
home I discerned the massive front porch rilled with 
guests, and upon entering I was greeted with wishes 
for many, many more happy wedding anniversaries. 
Then it dawned upon me that it was our 28th wedding 
anniversary and that the dear relatives and friends 
had planned to give us the pleasant surprise party. I, 
of course, had to cry for joy to know I had such love 
and good wishes from them all, and how mindful they 
were of our real enjoyment ; how my heart swelled with 
gratitude. The presents were so beautiful as well as 
useful, consisting of linens, silver and cut glass and 
many other things too numerous to mention. I will 
just here give a copy as it appeared in the Prestonsburg 
Post, as follows : 

SURPRISE WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. 

Tuesday, September 20, 1921, a very pleasant wed- 
ding anniversary party was given by Mrs. S. P. David- 
son and Mrs. George T. Roberts at their home on Main 
Street in honor of Mr. and Mrs, A. J. Davidson's 
28th wedding anniversary. Those present were : Mrs. 



254 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

G. C. Davis, Mrs. N. M. White, St., Mrs. S. Nun- 
nery, Mrs. James Jones, Mrs. James Goble, Mrs. 
Thomas May, Mrs. Henry B. Patrick, Mrs. Ella Fer- 
guson, Mrs. Belle C. Gardner, Mrs. Lizzie Maynard, 
Mrs. Burns Johnson, Mrs. B. F. Combs, Mrs. W. T. 
Bradley, Mrs. I. T. Ford, Mrs. Belle Richmond, Mrs. 
B. P. Friend, Mrs. E. P. Arnold, Mrs. Walter Scott 
Harkins, Jr., Mrs. N. M. White, Jr., Mrs. James Clark, 
Mrs. W. H. Layne, Mrs. Joseph D. Harkins, Mrs. 
Grace D. Ford, Mrs. David C. Richmond, Mrs. J. P. 
Salisbury, Mrs. C. W. Alley, Mrs. A. J. May, Mrs. 
Martin Leete, Mrs. Alice Turner, Mrs. Miranda 
Maars, Mrs. W. R. Callihan, Mrs. I. Richmond, Mrs. 
Jo. M. Davidson, Mrs. Josie D. Harkins, Mrs. T. R. 
May, Mrs. C. P. Stephens, Mrs. C. W. May, Mrs. 
Sam Spradlin, Mrs. A. L. Davidson, Mrs. W. B. 
Burke, Mrs. G. P. Archer, Mrs. C. L. Hutsinpillar, 
Mrs. F. Cottrell, Mrs. T. O. Burchett, Mrs. Elizabeth 
Wells, Mrs. R. H. Leete, Mrs. Ed. Ford, Misses Jo- 
sephine May, Minerva Friend and Josephine Harkins. 

A beautiful and touching tribute was given by Mrs. 
W. B. Burke, as follows : 

"I have never wished more for eloquence than now, 
that I might express to you, my dear Mr. and Mrs. Da- 
vidson, our love and best wishes on this happy occasion. 
In the beginning God created the earth and all of the 
beautiful things in it, and then he made man, a princely 
triumph. But he saw that something was lacking and so 
in his wisdom he created woman. Then for man the 
sun shone brighter, the birds sang sweeter and the 



HER LIFE AND WORK 255 

flowers were more beautiful. Twenty-eight years 
ago to-day God gave you this woman. You were made 
two selves with but a single thought, two hearts that 
beat as one ; together you set sail upon the sea of matri- 
mony, with love as the pilot of your craft. Love like 
electricity is manifest, but undefinable; it is the great 
ruling passion of our lives. But that is not all. We 
must have friends; as you know friendship is not a 
plant of hasty growth, but as you look in the smiling 
faces of these friends, who have gathered here, you see 
the plant has flowered to perfection. My friends, when 
the twilight of life is gathering round you, and together 
you have happy memories of the past, I trust that 
memory will paint for you in colors that never fade as 
sweet a picture of these friends who have gathered to 
do you honor to-day as she will paint for us of you. 
We have come as did the wise men of old with gifts 
for you and we wish that you will have twenty-eight 
years more of wedded happiness and that God will 
crown you with his richest blessings." 

The presents given by the guests were both hand- 
some and useful, consisting of cut glass, silver, linens, 
and other things too numerous to mention. 

The home was beautifully decorated with cut flowers 
and ferns. Delicious refreshments were served, con- 
sisting of a salad course, iced tea and mints, by the 
hostess, assisted by Misses Inez Cottrell, Douglas and 
Mary E. Davidson, and Mrs. James M. Davidson. 
After a delightful social hour the guests departed 
wishing them many more happy wedding anniversaries. 



CHAPTER XXXVII. 

I have planted; I have cultivated, and now I have 
almost reached the end of the row. How time flies 
to those of middle age! How exceedingly fast it flies 
to the aged ! Glancing back over my past life and what 
I have written it seems but the scattered remembrance 
of only a few short years. These days, months and 
years have hastened away with such flight, like the 
shadow of a cloud across a still valley, or a dreamy 
vision of past events, all so scattered but yet so real. 
A great advantage was given me, however. I have 
always had exceedingly good health which has been 
to me quite a blessing. Of course I have had some 
afflictions that may have been brought to bear in my 
life, and are but for a moment and "Worketh for me an 
exceedingly and eternal weight of glory." 

I return to my aunt who so kindly gave me a home 
and assumed the responsibility of raising me after the 
death of my parents, in my early childhood. She taught 
me that there were two great advantages in living. 
One the value of time, the other the proper use of it. 
However I realized from my own experience, too, that 
the time God has given us all is too precious to fritter 
away in a careless and thoughtless way. I have been 
made to realize that a responsibility rests upon me to 

256 



HER LIFE AND WORK 257 

an extent in this life. It means much to live. I can- 
not recall the writer to my mind at present who said, 
"The time was when we were not; now we are, and 
there never will be a time again when we shall not be." 
We shall always exist somehow, somewhere, some 
place. These are wonderful thoughts to me. These 
are lessons I have from my early youth to the present 
time tried to carry into effect to the very best of my 
ability, but I, like many others I presume, have made 
failures and fallen short to an extent, but the failures 
have been attributed more to the head than the heart. 
I cannot say that I have passed through my life on 
"Flowery beds of ease," neither has it been sailing 
under fair skies nor passing across tranquil seas. 
"Through many toils and snares I have already come." 
I have had stormy days and I have had still ones. 
Some have been so dark that the shadows have almost 
overwhelmed me with their gloom, then the darkness 
would, clear away and again the sunshine burst forth. 
Many have been the changes. If I should write all that 
has come into my life I could fill another volume of 
the unpleasant things that I have endured, but I leave 
this off and only wish I could obliterate them from 
memory. I realize that it takes the bitter to go with 
the sweet to make up a life here. I am just writing 
the bright side of my life. I have had many 
wearisome days and sorrowful nights; nights of fears 
and anxiety, and have shed bitter tears to relieve an 
aching heart. I realize after all there is weariness that 
cannot be prevented. It will come on us. "In all of 



258 JOSIE M. DAVIDSON 

our lives some rain must fall ; some days must be dark 
and dreary." 

I have also learned by personal experience that money 
is insufficient to give its possessor many real pleasures 
in this life, for the real pleasures of life are not ex- 
clusively material and we should fully consider this 
fact before we actually crack the shell of life. To be 
able in old age to look back upon a life of industry and 
to find in its records nothing to regret; to possess a 
mind keenly alive to the obedience and love of our Di- 
vine Master, and to be at peace with Him in regard 
to the future into which we pass, "when the silver 
cord be loosened or the golden bowl be broken." With 
the advancement of age fast falling upon me brings to 
me the full realization of this fact, and to know that 
God has been exceptionally mindful of me in sparing me 
to the present time. I realize the fact that I must each 
day live more consecrated in his service, feeling that 
he has something more for me to do or that my life 
work is not yet finished or else he would have, ere this, 
snapped the brittle thread of my life and 1 hope to be 
of service in His cause even yet and patiently work and 
wait and be submissive to His will and "wait 'till my 
change comes." 



THE END. 



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